I can recall the first time I had a cocktail that broke the mental mold of what a cocktail could be. At a time when the extent of my cocktail knowledge didn’t go beyond the 3 or 4 drinks I overheard people order, there was a local restaurant and bar I’d go to where one bartender particularly enjoyed being creative and sharing new recipes. That was when I was introduced to the gin basil smash. This recipe can be found in Paul Clarke’s “The Cocktail Chronicles” which traces the origin of the drink to Jörg Meyer of Le Lion bar in Hamburg, Germany. The gin basil smash is basically a gin sour with a lot of fresh basil muddled in – enough to make it a vibrant green. It’s a perfect summer drink that offers complex flavors with the simplest of ingredients. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
– Cheers!
Gin Basil Smash
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh basil Use enough to make this cocktail vibrant green.
Instructions
- Muddle the basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice to chill.
- Double strain into a rocks glass with ice and garnish with a basil leaf.
[divider type="double-dotted" color="gray"]
The Cocktail Chronicles: Navigating the Cocktail Renaissance with Jigger, Shaker & Glass
Imbibe Bio – Paul Clarke
Le Lion Bar – Hamburg, Germany
Philbrook MIX
We totally agree with you. The Gin Basil Smash is something mind changing. We enjoyed it at Le Lion in January. It was fantastic there in their secret bar that is hard to find as there are no signs outside and you have to ring a bell to be let in.
I had no idea it was so secretive! I bet that was an incredible experience. 🙂
Wow.. would definitely try this 🙂
I love anything involved lemon
It’s a delicious drink!
It’s a favorite!