Name: Gin Basil Smash Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 ounces (60 ml) gin (Beefeater); 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lemon juice; 2/3 ounce (20 ml) simple syrup; Small bunch basil leaves (about 10); Basil sprig, for garnish

Gin Basil Smash Cocktail

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 makrut 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.

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Servings 1 Cocktail

Ingredients

2 ounces (60 ml) gin (Beefeater)
1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
2/3 ounce (20 ml) simple syrup
Small bunch basil leaves (about 10)
Basil sprig, for garnish

Instructions

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.
Makes 1
Recipe adapted from The New Cocktail Hour by André Darlington and Tenaya Darlington, Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group.