Place the 6 fresh basil leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add the simple syrup and gently muddle 6–8 times to release aromatic oils. Avoid over-muddling (which can make the drink bitter).

Mix

Combine ingredients

Add 2 oz Gordon's gin, 1.5 oz fresh pineapple juice, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice and 2 dashes Angostura bitters to the shaker with the muddled basil.

Add ice and shake

Fill the shaker with about 6 ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Serve

Prepare glass

Fill a rocks or coupe glass with about 1 cup crushed ice (for a refreshingly chilled presentation) or just a large ice cube if you prefer.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to catch basil fragments and ice shards.

Finish with bitters

If desired, add 2 small drops of Angostura bitters on the top of the drink for an aromatic flourish and gently swirl with a cocktail pick to create a subtle pattern.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and a thin pineapple wedge or twist on the rim. Serve immediately and enjoy.