We demonstrate the detection of picric acid (PA) and ammonium nitrate (AN) at mM concentrations by utilizing gold (Au) nanostructures (NSs) as surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates fabricated using the technique of ultrafast laser ablation in liquids. Au NPs and NSs were also utilized for detecting Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) and methylene blue (MB). Detection of all the molecules using the same substrates (NPs and NSs) demonstrated their versatility. Detection limits of 10 (5), 10 (6), 10 (7), 10 (8) M were achieved for AN, PA, Rh6G and MB, respectively. Reproducibility of the SERS intensity using NSs and NPs as substrates demonstrate their efficacy. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.