I had my friend -e- over last night and was looking for a cocktail that seemed interesting and involved ingredients that I already had a home. I stumbled upon the Gin Basil Smash, which is a lovely, lovely cocktail. I’ve seen a couple of variations around the web, but here’s my version of the recipe.
1 bunch basil
2/3 oz lemon juice
2/3 oz simple syrup
3 oz gin (I used Hendrick’s)
Directions
Put all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the basil. Add ice cubes and shake thoroughly until cold. Strain into a martini glass and enjoy.
Oh, Hendrick’s! Very much looking forward to trying this out. My cousin introduced me and my wife to Hendrick’s this summer. We’re not gin drinkers, so I’m certain that Hendrick’s isn’t really gin but something far better cleverly disguised as gin. Thanks for the word on the cocktail. Love Writing Excuses.
I must try this out. Sounds amazing and it made my mouth water thinking about… dang, I might be an alcoholic.
Or you like basil?
Good save! I actually ate some baked ziti the other day and had the same reaction so, it’s probably basil…
I can most thoroughly vouch for the splendor of this cocktail. I did my best to give Mary many opportunities to practice her technique last night, and practice makes perfect.
Your assistance in my practicing were most appreciated.
No cocktail shaker, so I did thusly:
Smush basil leaves between clean fingers, drop into glass.
Smell fingers appreciatively.
Pour gin over.
Add rest of ingredients.
Stir while gleefully muddling basil (CAREFUL you don’t smoosh it to bits).
Add ice and stir a bit more.
Enjoy.
I like basil in cocktails. Was first introduced to the concept at Walt Disney World by a clever bartender who served strawberry lemonade with vodka and basil (at that restaurant in the Contemporary Hotel I recommended to you, The Wave). I discover I like gin + basil + lemon VERY much.
I may be tipsy off this at the present time.
I like your modifications and may have to give them a try.