The Gin Basil Smash is a newer cocktail created in 2008 by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany. It was originally called the Gin Pesto but as it grew in popularity the name changed to what we know it today. This garden-fresh drink is sure to turn heads with its color. You can make this delicious drink at home, keep reading for the Gin Basil Smash recipe.
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What You’ll Need
Gin
Lemon
Basil
Raw Sugar
Paring Knife
Cutting Board
Citrus Squeezer or a Citrus Juicer for the lemon
Small Mesh Strainer
Cocktail Shaker & Strainer
Jigger
Alcohol Recommendations
Gin
Bombay Sapphire
My go-to gin for mixed drinks is usually Bombay Sapphire. The price is great and is almost always available wherever liquor is sold. It has a well-balanced taste that works well with the basil. You’ll want a less dry and slightly more juniper-forward gin for this Gin Basil Smash recipe.
Gin Basil Smash Recipe
12 – Basil
2 ounce – Gin
1/2 – Freshly-Squeezed Lime Juice
1/4 ounce – Raw Sugar Syrup
How to Make A Gin Basil Smash
To make your Gin Basil Smash begin by making your raw sugar syrup. All you need is equal parts raw sugar and water. You’ll place it on low heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until all the raw has dissolved. Let it cool, then refrigerate.
Then you’ll want to juice your lemons. I suggest using a citrus juicer or citrus squeezer and straining the pulp with a small mesh strainer. I typically use a juicer if I’m juicing more than a few lemons.
Now that you have your raw sugar syrup ready along with your lemon juice you can begin to build your cocktail. Place 12 basil leaves in your cocktail shaker and muddle. Be careful not to break but rather “smash” your basil.
Place ice into your cocktail shaker and shake for about 15 seconds. Use your Hawthorne strainer along with a fine-mesh strainer and pour into a cocktail glass. This drink is typically served in a rocks glass with ice. I like using two large ice cubes.
Garnish with a basil sprig and enjoy!
if you want more “Cocktails Around the World” check out my other recipes.
If you tried this Gin Basil Smash recipe leave a comment below and share a pic on Instagram with the hashtag #lewilddrinks.
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