Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic16.8% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Advancedmuddled drink
Why: 6 ingredients, muddled drink, requires muddler
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerMixerGarnish
- 2 ozGinBase
- 1 ozCarbonated WaterMixer
- 1 cubeSugarSweetener
- 4MintGarnish
- 1 sliceOrangeCitrus
- 1CherryGarnish
Tools:muddler
How to Make It
StirMuddle
- Muddle sugar with carbonated water and mint sprigs in an old-fashioned glass.MuddleMuddling releases oils, juice or aroma without needing a blender.
- Add gin and 1 ice cube.
- Stir, add the orange slice and the cherry, and serve.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.HerbsMint is cool and fresh. Basil is a workable swap in spirit-forward or citrus drinks — it is peppery and sweeter, so use slightly less. Rosemary works in shorter, more spirit-led drinks but it is much more resinous. Always bruise rather than shred to avoid releasing bitter compounds.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Gin Smash?
- The Gin Smash is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 16.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 162 calories.
- What does a Gin Smash taste like?
- Gin Smash has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Herbal, Sugar, Sparkling. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Gin Smash?
- Gin Smash pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Gin Smash?
- The Gin Smash has an ABV of approximately 16.8%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 162 calories, 6.0g sugar, 6.7g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Gin Smash typically served?
- Gin Smash is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Gin Smash?
- If you enjoy Gin Smash, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Gin Smash at home?
- Yes. The Gin Smash uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Gin Smash with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.