Basil Hayden Recipe

Time8m

Serves1

Make Basil Hayden Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Prepare basil
Lightly clap or bruise 4 of the fresh basil leaves between your palms to release aromatics. Reserve the remaining leaf(s) for garnish.
2
Muddle
Place the bruised basil leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Gently muddle (press and twist) 6–8 times to further release basil oils and combine flavors. Do not pulverize into a paste—just enough to mix and aromatize.
3
Add bourbon and ice
Add 2 oz bourbon to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice (about 3/4 full or ~1 cup) to chill and slightly dilute the drink.
4
Shake
Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well chilled. This both chills the cocktail and lightly dilutes it to balance flavors.
5
Strain
Double-strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh strainer (or use a Hawthorne strainer plus a tea strainer) into a chilled old-fashioned glass over one large ice cube or alternatively into a coupe if you prefer served up.

6
Garnish with a fresh basil sprig tucked next to the ice and a lemon wheel or twist on the rim or floated on top. Clap the garnish basil once between your hands and wave briefly over the glass to release its aroma before placing it in the drink.
7
Serve immediately. Sip and enjoy the bright herbal notes layered with the bourbon's warmth.