Gin Basil Smash

Submitted by Bonnie G #2

"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, be inspired"

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Yields: 1 cocktail
• Serves: 1

ingredients

• Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup demerara sugar
• 2⁄3 ounce simple syrup

• For Cocktail

• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 2⁄3 ounce simple syrup
• 1 small bunch basil leaves (about 10)
• basil sprig, for garnish

directions

1. Make the simple syrup: 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. Make the cocktail: 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.