Gin Basil Smash
CLASSIC · GIN

Gin Basil Smash

A vibrant, garden-fresh cocktail that layers the botanical complexity of gin with bright lemon and a generous handful of muddled basil - simple, stunning, and endlessly sessionable.

Ingredients
Gin60 ml
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice22.5 ml
Simple Syrup22.5 ml
Fresh Basil Leaves
Basil Sprig
Ice
Glassware
Cocktail Glass
Chilled.
Flavor
BODYSWEETFRUITACIDHEATSMOKEEARTHBITTER

Black pepper · Juniper · Lemon · Mint · Thyme

Estimated profile

Method
  1. 1

    Add the basil leaves to a cocktail shaker and muddle firmly to release their oils.

  2. 2

    Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

  3. 3

    Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.

  4. 4

    Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled cocktail glass.

  5. 5

    Garnish with a fresh basil leaf or small basil sprig.

From the Bartender

The Gin Basil Smash was created by bartender Jörg Meyer at Le Lion in Hamburg in 2008 and is widely credited as one of the most influential modern cocktails - proving fresh herbs belong in the shaker. Always double-strain to remove basil fragments and achieve a clean, vivid green pour.

Rating
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