Basil Gin Smash Recipe
Bombay Sapphire gin, basil, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prepare glass
If you prefer, chill the serving glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes. Alternatively, fill the serving glass with crushed ice or regular ice and set aside while you build the cocktail.
Muddle basil
Place 6 of the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker (reserve 1–2 leaves for garnish). Add the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup to the shaker. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press and twist the basil leaves against the shaker to release their oils and aroma. Do not pulverize to a paste; a few firm presses until fragrant is ideal.
Combine with gin and ice
Add the Bombay Sapphire gin to the shaker. Add the ice for shaking (enough to nearly fill the shaker). Secure the shaker lid.
Shake
Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker becomes cold and the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted.
Strain and serve
If using crushed ice in the serving glass: double-strain the cocktail (through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer) over the prepared glass filled with crushed ice to remove basil fragments. If using cubed ice: strain over fresh ice in the serving glass. Double-straining gives a smoother texture; single strain is acceptable if you prefer more herb bits.
Serve
Serve immediately with a short straw or stirrer. Enjoy.