The Basil Smash or Gin Basil Smash: A perfect summer cocktail made from gin and fresh basil.
The weekend is here, although not sure what that concept means any more. Not that it held any much significance in the past, but with the lockdown a weekend holds even less importance.
Weekend or not weekend, I have a drink recipe for you today- Basil Gin Smash. I love basil- in my pasta, in my omelette, in my sandwiches and now in my drink. We had a basil plant last year that my parents had got which gave us a bunch of fresh basil throughout summer. Come winter, and the plant died. We thought it would revive in the summers but it didn’t.
Propagating Basil
Since basil can be propagated hydroponically, the last time I got fresh basil from the market, I put it in a small glass jar filled with a little water and kept it outside in a shaded area. And then I waited. Once I saw roots shoot from the stem, I planted the stem in a pot and voila, now we have a happy flourishing basil plant. I have found basil the easiest herb to grow. Once it takes root, it is like a weed. Little care and even the brown thumb me can keep this plant healthy and going.
This recipe is quick and easy and is courtesy the husband, who is enjoying making cocktails for us. He adapted this gin basil smash recipe from Gin Foundry
- 60ml Gin
- 12 Basil leaves per serving
- 25ml lemon juice
- 10 ml sugar syrup (optional- we don't always add it)
- Splash of soda (if not using sugar syrup you can also use sprite here)
- In a mortar and pestle muddle the Basil leaves and lemon juice.
- Transfer the contents to a shaker along with the Gin and give it a nice shake.
- Strain into ice filled glasses.
- Top it up with a dash of soda/sprite just for a little fizz/Sweetness.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh Basil.
