Gin Basil Smash

Gin Basil Smash

Info

Rating
Calories
765.0
Protein
1.0
Sodium
64.0

Description

A perfect accent for an outdoor supper during tomato season. In winter, it revives the palate as an aperitif. This drink demonstrates so ably how fresh ingredients can be incorporated into everyday drinking cocktails. Head to your kitchen garden or snag a big bunch of basil at the farmers’ market, and you’re mere steps from a living drink that will make your head dizzy. This drink smashes basil, but you can smash anything—tarragon, thyme, cilantro, or kefir lime leaves. Let this drink inspire you. We like to host a garden party with an assortment of fresh herbs and gins, and let friends muddle their way through an array of flavors.

Ingredients

1 cup Demerara sugar
1 cup water
2 ounces gin (such as Beefeater)
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
2/3 ounce simple syrup
Small bunch basil leaves (about 10)
Basil sprig, for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the stove. Cool. Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add ice and gin and shake. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice. Garnish with a basil sprig.