Cucumber, Gin and Basil Smash
By OcadoLife
Published on 27 May 2026
The aromatic basil in this Cucumber, Gin and Basil Smash, from cocktail expert Carmen O’Neal, gives the classic G&T a summery spin without too much effort. No need to overthink the garnish – just make sure each glass contains a little cucumber, lemon and basil and it’ll look fab. If you’d like to make your own sugar syrup, simply heat 200g caster sugar with 200ml water in a pan, stirring until dissolved, then leave to cool fully. It’ll keep in the fridge for 2 weeks. Time and servings
10 minsTotal time
8Servings
10 minsPrep time
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, chopped, plus a few slices to garnish
- 400ml gin
- 4 medium lemons, juiced to give 160ml, plus a few slices to garnish
- 160ml sugar syrup
- 30g basil, plus a few sprigs to garnish (optional)
- 800ml tonic water
Method
Step 1
Put the chopped cucumber in a tall container with the gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and basil (reserve a few leaves). Muddle with a wooden spoon to release the flavour and juices.Step 2
Fill a jug with ice and strain in the cocktail. Drop in the reserved basil leaves and some lemon and cucumber slices, then top up with tonic water; stir gently. Garnish glasses with extra basil, if you like.