Created by Jörg Meyer from Le Lion bar, the Gin Basil Smash is a refreshing summer cocktail that calls for gin, citrus, syrup and basil.
Gin Basil Smash – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
The Gin Basil Smash was created in 2008 by Jörg Meyer from Le Lion bar in Hamburg, Germany. The popularity of the cocktail has spread around the world and earned it a reputation as a modern classic. The simple combination of gin, lemon juice and syrup gets a herbaceous and peppery note from muddled basil leaves which also give the drink a vibrant green colour.
Meyer’s original recipe calls for Hendrick’s Gin but a London dry gin, or a juniper-forward gin with herbal notes go equally well.
The Gin Basil Smash is ideal for summer imbibing when basil is in season and long hot days call for refreshment. For a variation on the original, try purple basil for a spicy flavour or Thai basil which has an anise-like note.
Gin Basil Smash Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 ml gin
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup (1:1)
- 12 fresh basil leaves
Glass: rocks
Garnish: basil leaves
Method
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the basil leaves with lemon juice. Add the simple syrup, gin and ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the tin is frosted. Double strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with basil leaves.
You may also like… Gin Basil Highball
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.
