Restaurants›Little Hen›Cocktail Menu Recipe

Cocktail Menu Recipe

Inspired by Little Hen
Time10m
Serves1

Make Cocktail Menu Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Classic Cocktail: The Citrus Basil Smash

Batching for 8 servings (optional)

Method

Classic Cocktail: The Citrus Basil Smash

1

Prepare glass

Chill a rocks glass or coupe by filling it with ice water while you assemble the cocktail. After preparing the drink, discard the ice water and optionally add fresh ice.

2

Muddle basil

In a cocktail shaker, place 6 of the basil leaves and the simple syrup. Gently bruise the leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon—press firmly enough to release oils but avoid shredding into tiny bits. This extracts aromatic basil flavor without excessive bitterness.

3

Add citrus and spirit

Add the lemon juice, lime juice, and gin to the shaker containing the muddled basil and syrup.

4

Dry shake (optional)

For a brighter, slightly frothy texture, remove the shaker's strainer, add no ice and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds to further emulsify the citrus and basil.

5

Wet shake

Add a generous scoop of ice to the shaker (about 3/4 full). Seal and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and the exterior is frosted.

6

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass over fresh ice using both the shaker's strainer and a fine mesh strainer. Double-straining removes basil bits and citrus pulp for a clean presentation.

7

Top and garnish

Top with about 2 oz club soda to give the cocktail lift. Slap the remaining 2 basil leaves between your palms to release aromatics and place them on the drink along with the lemon wheel on the rim.

8

Serve

Serve immediately with a short stirrer so the guest can mix the soda through the first few sips if desired.

Batching for 8 servings (optional)

9

In a large pitcher or beverage dispenser, add the simple syrup and torn basil leaves (reserve a few leaves for garnish). Gently muddle with a wooden spoon or use your hand to bruise leaves against the side of the pitcher to release oils.

10

Pour in the lemon juice, lime juice, and gin. Stir thoroughly to combine and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to allow basil infusion.

11

When ready to serve, fill individual glasses with ice, pour about 4 oz of the cocktail mix into each glass, top each with 2 oz club soda, and garnish with a slapped basil leaf and a lemon wheel.

12

If storing the batch before adding soda, keep refrigerated up to 24 hours; add club soda only just before serving to preserve effervescence.