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Gin Basil Smash

Aperitivo/aperitif · Contemporary classic · Elevenses/afternoon

4.5 709 ratings

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Ingredients

12 fresh Basil leaves
2 oz Gin
3/4 oz Lemon juice
1/3 oz Sugar syrup 'rich' (2:1)

How to make

Serve in a old-fashioned glass

Prepare

  1. 1 Select and pre-chill an OLD-FASHIONED GLASS.
  2. 2 Prepare garnish of three basil sprigs..

Method

  1. 3 MUDDLE basil sprigs (no need to pluck leaves from stem) in base of shaker.
  2. 4 Add other ingredients and SHAKE with ice.
  3. 5 FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. 6 Garnish with basil sprig bouquet.

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History

Jörg, the creator of this cocktail, states, "Better too much than not enough basil in this drink." He also specifies that the basil is muddled rather than merely broken by the action of shaking, as this produces a greener drink. He adds, "Keep in mind: 5 cl Gin is not enough; 6 cl Gin is the recipe; 7 cl Gin is LOVE!"

Jörg Meyer created this drink in the summer of 2008 at Le Lion • Bar de Paris, Hamburg, Germany. He originally called it Gin Pesto. Meyer wrote about his new drink on July 10, 2008, and it rapidly gained international popularity, becoming widely known as the Gin Basil Smash.

Also known as Gin Pesto · Created by Joerg Meyer