Strongly associated with the Margarita, Tequila has a reputation as a spirit that is difficult to utilize at home. You’ll be hard pressed to find a tequila-based drink that doesn’t contain lime juice or some type of orange liqueur. Taking a non-traditional approach, we made a southern-style smash that’s simple to make, palate pleasing, and refreshing.

With summer around the corner, there is no better time to use herbs from your home garden. A variation of the julep, the smash includes a spirit base, fresh herbs, and citrus. It’s an easy drink made for smashing your ingredients together, adding lots of ice, and topping with fizz — perfect for a hot day.

In this TAC original cocktail, the marriage of pineapple and basil blend perfectly with the earthy florals of the tequila. The ginger beer gives it a nice frothy body with a smashing good kick at the finish.

If you need salt, go to the beach.

Southern Basil Smash
1 1/2 oz tequila
1 oz. pineapple juice*
1 splash orange juice*
3 medium basil leaves torn in half
ginger beer

Add first four ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake the heck out of it. Pour into a pint glass and top with ginger beer. Add extra ice if needed. Wipe the sweat from your brow and consume hardily.

*Save a step and use Dole Pineapple Orange Juice