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Cucumber, Gin and Basil Smash

Cucumber, Gin and Basil Smash

By OcadoLifePublished on 27 May 2026The 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.
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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.