This is your chance to showcase your creativity, elevate the classic Basil Smash, and compete for incredible prizes. We’re looking for the most innovative takes on this iconic cocktail, using ingredients from the renowned Rutte Distillery.

Join the Rutte Basil Smash Challenge!

This is your chance to showcase your creativity, elevate the classic Basil Smash, and compete for incredible prizes. We’re looking for the most innovative takes on this iconic cocktail, using ingredients from the renowned Rutte Distillery.

How It Works:

  1. Feature the Classic – Add the Basil Smash to your cocktail menu. We’ll provide a specially designed menu to support you.
  2. Create Your Twist – Develop a unique variation by experimenting with different herbs, citrus, or sugar flavors, while using Rutte ingredients such as Rutte Kafir Lime Gin or Rutte Old Simon Genever. Let your creativity shine by reimagining the balance of flavors while keeping the essence of the Basil Smash alive.
  3. Sell & Collect – The challenge starts in April and runs until June 30th. Sell as many Basil Smashes as possible and collect Rutte Dutch Dry Gin bottle caps to boost your ranking.
  4. Share Your Creation – Post photos and videos of your Basil Smash on social media using #RutteBasilSmash to showcase your entry.

How We Select the Finalists

The 10 best competitors will be invited to the live finale in Dordrecht on Monday, July 14th, where they will present their creations to an expert jury. Finalists are selected based on:

  • Creativity – Innovation in the recipe and the quality of your social media presentation using #RutteBasilSmash.
  • Volume – The number of Rutte Dutch Dry Gin bottle caps collected. The more you sell, the better your chances!

Finals & Prizes

  • First Prize – €2000, 30 custom Rutte Gin bottles.
  • Second Prize – €800 and 12 custom Rutte Gin bottles.
  • Third Prize – €250 and 6 custom Rutte Gin bottles.

Sign Up Now

The competition kicks off in April and ends on June 30th, so start shaking, selling and collecting! Think you have what it takes? Register below and start crafting your ultimate Basil Smash creation!

Ghana

Terms & Conditions

  • Participants must be of legal drinking age in their respective countries.
  • The competition is open to bartenders from the Netherlands.
  • Ensure that your entries are original and do not infringe on any third-party rights.
  • By participating, you grant Rutte Distillery the right to use your content for promotional purposes.
  • Only one submission per establishment/person
  • Submission period: 1st of April until 30th of June 2025
  • Finalists Announcement via email: 1st of July 2025
  • Showcase Event: Monday 14th of July 2025
  • Rutte reserves the right to modify, suspend or cancel the Challenge at any time in case of unforeseen circumstances.