My Bartender
The Vodka Pineapple Basil Smash is fresh, fruity, and full of flavor without being too sweet. It starts with juicy pineapple and fragrant basil, muddled together to bring out their natural oils and brightness. Vodka adds a clean kick, while a splash of citrus usually lemon or lime keeps everything balanced. Shaken and served over ice, it’s the kind of cocktail that feels tropical but grounded, easy to drink and full of fresh flavor. Great for warm evenings, backyard hangouts, or whenever you want something a little different that still goes down easy.
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Tasting Notes
The Vodka Pineapple Basil Smash is a refreshing blend of tropical fruit and aromatic herbs, delivering bold flavor with a delicate finish. Fresh pineapple and zesty lemon create a tangy-sweet base, while vodka adds crispness and clarity. Basil simple syrup and muddled basil leaves introduce a savory, garden-fresh twist, perfectly balanced by bright citrus bitters. A splash of soda water gives it a bubbly lift, enhancing its light, summer-ready appeal. Garnished with fresh herbs and fruit, this cocktail is vibrant, juicy, and invigorating—ideal for warm afternoons, brunches, or any moment that calls for a creative, refreshing sip.
Equipment and Glassware
To craft this vibrant smash, gather a muddler for crushing basil and pineapple, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the base ingredients. Use a fine mesh strainer to filter out pulp for a smooth pour, and a bar spoon for a final stir after topping with soda water. Serve in a rocks glass or highball glass filled with ice to showcase the fresh ingredients and garnishes. A sharp paring knife will help with slicing lemon and pineapple garnishes, while a cocktail pick adds presentation polish.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz basil simple syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- soda water to top
- 4 fresh basil
- A handful of diced pineapple
- A few dashes of citrus bitters
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Lemon slice for garnish
- Pineapple slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a tall glass, muddle the diced pineapple and fresh basil leaves together. Add the basil simple syrup and stir to combine.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice, then add the rest of the diced pineapple and additional basil slices. Continue filling the glass with ice to the top.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and citrus bitters. Shake well until fully chilled.
- Pour the shaken mixture into the prepared glass, adding more ice if necessary. For a touch of fizz, leave some room in the glass and top with soda water.
- Garnish with fresh basil, a lemon slice, and a pineapple slice for a beautifully fresh presentation.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor—tear or slap the leaves before muddling to release more aroma.
- Choose ripe, juicy pineapple for optimal sweetness and texture.
- For basil simple syrup, simmer equal parts sugar and water with a handful of basil leaves, then strain and cool.
- A quality citrus bitters brand like Regan’s or Fee Brothers adds subtle complexity without overwhelming the drink.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand, and always top with soda last to preserve the fizz.
- For extra flair, rim the glass with citrus zest or add a basil leaf frozen in an ice cube.
When to Serve
The Vodka Pineapple Basil Smash is perfect for sunny days, outdoor brunches, rooftop happy hours, or tropical-themed parties. Its crisp, herbal profile and juicy fruit notes make it an excellent signature drink for garden weddings, summer showers, or spa-style celebrations. Light, fizzy, and packed with fresh flavor, it’s also great for casual entertaining or anytime you want a cocktail that feels refreshing and refined. Serve it alongside seasonal fruit platters, seafood dishes, or light appetizers for a complete sensory experience.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Choose a smooth, neutral vodka like Tito’s Handmade, Grey Goose, or Ketel One to let the fruit and herbs shine.
- Use fresh-pressed pineapple juice for best flavor, or a high-quality bottled brand like Lakewood.
- For bitters, go with Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6 or Fee Brothers Citrus to add balance and brightness.
- Sparkling water brands like Fever-Tree, Topo Chico, or Q Club Soda offer clean, crisp carbonation.
- Fresh basil and lemon elevate the cocktail visually and aromatically—perfect for a drink that’s as stunning as it is refreshing.
Similar Cocktails
- Firebirds Pineapple Martini
- Salty Pineapple Sipper
- Pineapple Vodka Sour
- Pineapple Lemon Drop
- Clementine Vodka Smash
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz basil simple syrup
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- soda water to top
- 4 fresh basil
- A handful of diced pineapple
- A few dashes of citrus bitters
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Lemon slice for garnish
- Pineapple slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a Collins glass, muddle the diced pineapple and fresh basil leaves together. Add the basil simple syrup and stir to combine.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice, then add the rest of the diced pineapple and additional basil slices. Continue filling the glass with ice to the top.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and citrus bitters. Shake well until fully chilled.
- Pour the shaken mixture into the prepared glass, adding more ice if necessary. For a touch of fizz, leave some room in the glass and top with soda water.
- Garnish with fresh basil, a lemon slice, and a pineapple slice for a beautifully fresh presentation.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Muddle the basil gently to release its flavor without bruising it, which can result in a bitter taste.
- Freshly squeezed pineapple and lemon juice elevate the flavors for a more vibrant and authentic taste.
- For a lighter version of the cocktail, reduce the amount of vodka and top off with extra soda water.
