How to Make Second Best’s Blueberry Smash

Ingredients

Blueberry Infused Vodka

• 58 ounces vodka
• 58 ounces blueberries

Basil Syrup

• 7 ounces sugar
• 8 ounces water
• 10% blanched basil, by weight

Blueberry Basil Smash

• 2 ounces blueberry infused vodka
• 3/4 ounce basil syrup
• 3/4 ounce lime juice

Directions

Blueberry Infused Vodka

1. Cut blueberries in half.
2. Combine blueberries and vodka in an airtight container and cover. Let infuse for 48 hours at room temperature.
3. Strain and store in a sealed container at room temperature

Basil Syrup

1. Combine sugar and water in a pot. Heat on low to medium heat until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat.
2. Take the weight of the finished simple syrup in grams. Multiply this number by 0.1 (10%) and measure that amount in basil. Using the leaves of the basil only, add basil into a pot of boiling water for 1-2 seconds, or until the color turns bright green.
3. Immediately remove the basil from the heat and put into an ice bath. Remove and squeeze out any excess water.
4. In a blender, combine the simple syrup with the blanched basil and blend on high until the basil and syrup are fully incorporated.
5. Strain through a chinois, then a milk bag.

Blueberry Basil Smash

1. Combine blueberry infused vodka, basil syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously.
2. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes and garnish with a basil leaf. Enjoy!

Second Best is located at 42 Watson St., Detroit. Call 313-315-3077 or visit secondbestdetroit.com for more information — and be sure to visit hourdetroit.com for even more drink recipes including how to make Sakazuki’s Yuzu Colada and Kamper’s Belleza Cocktail. 

This story originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on Sept. 6.