Are you still looking for a refreshing companion for those warm summer nights? Then you should try the Gin Basil Smash cocktail recipe. At just twelve years old, this gin drink is still considered a newbie among cocktails. But that hasn’t stopped it from achieving cult status and conquering the world, including our hearts, from a bar in Hamburg.
Okay, admittedly: Smash doesn’t sound very gentle. More like a bit aggressive. But it’s the rough treatment of the basil with a muddler that gives this refreshing summer drink its aroma. So, don’t be shy when pressing the leaves!
The Gin Basil Smash owes its uniquely fresh taste not only to the basil but also to its green color, making the drink a real eye-catcher! The finely balanced combination of juniper and lemon notes also makes it a great aperitif before dinner. The effort? Hardly worth mentioning. You can mix up a Gin Basil Smash in just a few minutes. Just follow our step-by-step recipe.
What you need:
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6 cl gin
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2 cl lemon juice
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10 basil leaves
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2 cl sugar syrup
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Ice cubes
Here's how to do it:
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Lightly crush the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker with a muddler.
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Add all other ingredients and shake well.
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Fill a glass with ice cubes.
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Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into the glass.
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Garnish with 2-3 basil leaves.
Tip: Serve the Gin Basil Smash in a tumbler, a short glass with a thick base. If you don’t have one, a regular water glass will do just fine.
Grow your own basil
Are you hooked on the taste? Then it’s worth keeping a big pot of basil at home. Unfortunately, the ones you buy at the supermarket don’t last long. Basil grown from seeds is much more robust and long-lasting. You don’t need a green thumb, just good seeds (preferably organic), a pot with soil, a sunny spot, and 3 seconds a day for watering. In just two weeks, you’ll have a lush basil bush.
