Thai Basil Lemonade and Lemon Smash from Simply Ming

Chef Ming Tsai prepares Thai Basil–Lemon Smash and Thai Basil Lemonade on Simply Ming, Season 18, Episode Eight ("Sausage and Peppers.")

Credit: Simply Ming

Ming Tsai is the James Beard Award-winning chef/owner of Blue Dragon in Massachusetts and his latest venture BABA at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana. An Emmy Award-winner, Ming hosts PBS-TV's Simply Ming, now in its seventeenth season. Ming is the author of five cookbooks: Blue Ginger: East Meets West Cooking with Ming Tsai, Simply Ming, Ming's Master Recipes, Simply Ming One-Pot Meals and Simply Ming In Your Kitchen. Ming supports many charities including Family Reach, a non-profit whose mission is to provide financial relief and support to families fighting cancer, of which he is currently

August 06, 2025

Chef and Host Ming Tsai is joined by his son Henry to make Thai Basil Lemonade and then a cocktail with bourbon called a Thai Basil–Lemon Smash.

Thai Basil-Lemon Smash

Serves One

INGREDIENTS

6 Thai basil leaves
1 teaspoon sugar
1 lemon slice plus 1 for garnish
2 ounces bourbon
Sparkling water to garnish

TO PREPARE

STEP ONE. “Spank” or lightly press the basil to release the aroma. Add to a shaker and then muddle with sugar.

STEP TWO. Add the bourbon and ice and shake hard.

STEP THREE. In a low ball glass, fill with ice and strain in cocktail glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with basil leaf and lemon slice.