Perfect as a refreshing summer drink

 

The Gin Basil Smash is a relatively new cocktail, an infant in the world of mixology

 

Created in July 2008 by Joerg Meyer, owner and bartender of Le Lion Bar de Paris  in Hamburg the Gin Basil Smash is his signature cocktail and was originally called Gin Pesto.

It has even won an award: Best New Cocktail at The Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards  in July 2008.

With, dare I say it, summer on the horizon and dreaming of warmer sunfilled days I decided to make this super easy cocktail.

Tip ~ Don’t use your best, most expensive gin. Traditionally Hendrick’s gin is used for this cocktail but the flavour of the basil does dominate, so any good quality gin will do.

It is easy as to make:~

 

Equipment:

Shaker, muddler, jigger, strainer, lemon squeezer

 

Ingredients:

10~12 fresh basil leaves + extra for garnish

50ml London Dry gin

25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

15ml sugar syrup

 

Method:

Muddle the basil leaves with the lemon juice in the shaker. Give them a real bashing.

Add the rest of the ingredients and some ice to the shaker.

Shake vigorously.

Fill a glass with ice.

Strain the smash into the ice-filled glass through a strainer to catch the green bits (a tea strainer will do).

Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

 

 

 

Gin Cilantro Smash

 

The Basil Smash lends itself to lots of variations. A bit of a fan of coriander (I regularly use the leaves in salads) I thought I would try substituting cilantro leaves (coriander) for the basil. Not as pretty a vivid green as the Gin Basil Smash the result was nevertheless rather delicious with a fresh greenness and slight spiciness.

By the way, don’t omit the lime. It really is necessary to bring out the flavour of the cilantro/coriander.

 

Ingredients:

A handful of cilantro (coriander) leaves

50ml London Dry Gin

20ml freshly squeezed Silician blood orange juice

5ml freshly squeezed lime juice

15ml sugar syrup

 

Method:

Same as before.

 

 

Cheers!