Looking for a bright, refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for summer? The Vodka Pineapple Basil Smash is a delicious blend of sweet pineapple, fresh basil, and a zesty hint of citrus. The herbal notes from the basil simple syrup elevate the drink, making it an ideal choice for a summer party or a relaxing evening on the porch.
Why You’ll Love This Vodka Pineapple Basil Smash 🍍
This cocktail combines the juicy sweetness of fresh pineapple with the refreshing aroma of basil and a splash of citrus. The homemade basil simple syrup adds a unique herbal flavor, perfectly balancing the tartness from Meyer lemon juice and the smoothness of vodka. It’s light, fragrant, and perfect for warm weather sipping. Plus, you can add a splash of soda water for a bubbly twist!
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 3 tablespoons diced fresh pineapple
- 2-3 tablespoons sliced fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon basil simple syrup (recipe below)
- 2 oz vodka (Pau Maui Vodka recommended)
- 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
- ½ oz fresh Meyer lemon juice
- Few dashes of citrus bitters
- Optional: soda water
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil
- Meyer lemon slice
- Pineapple leaf
- Paper straw
Instructions
1️⃣ Muddle the Ingredients: In a tall Collins glass, muddle 2 tablespoons of diced pineapple with 1 tablespoon of sliced basil. This helps release the flavors of the pineapple and basil. Add the basil simple syrup and give it a good stir to combine.
2️⃣ Add Ice and More Ingredients: Fill the glass halfway with ice. Add the remaining diced pineapple and sliced basil, then continue filling the glass with ice until it’s full.
3️⃣ Shake the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, fresh pineapple juice, Meyer lemon juice, and a few dashes of citrus bitters. Shake well to mix the flavors, then pour the mixture into your prepared glass. Add more ice if needed to top it off.
4️⃣ Optional Fizz: For a sparkling touch, leave a bit of space in the glass and top the cocktail with 1 oz of soda water for a refreshing fizz.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve: Garnish your cocktail with fresh basil, a slice of Meyer lemon, and a pineapple leaf. Add a paper straw for the finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Basil Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
- Combine sugar, water, and basil leaves in a saucepan over medium heat. Smash the basil leaves as you stir to dissolve the sugar and release the basil’s natural oils.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. Let the syrup infuse for 1 hour.
- Strain the syrup to remove the basil leaves, then allow the syrup to cool completely.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Use it to add a touch of basil sweetness to your cocktails, teas, or even lemonade!
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is great for casual gatherings, barbecues, or as a refreshing after-work drink. Serve it with appetizers like grilled shrimp skewers, pineapple salsa, or a caprese salad for a light and delicious summer vibe.
Cheers to this fruity, refreshing Vodka Pineapple Basil Smash! 🍹🍍 Perfect for a taste of summer in every sip.