Gin Basil Smash

Name: Gin Basil Smash
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1 cup Demerara sugar; 1 1 cup water; 1 2 ounces gin (such as Beefeater); 1 1 ounce fresh lemon juice; 1 2/3 ounce simple syrup; 1 Small bunch basil leaves (about 10); 1 Basil sprig; 1 for garnish

From the kitchen of Carly

Bright gin and fresh basil collide in this herbaceous cocktail, rounded out by tart lemon and a homemade Demerara syrup. Muddled basil releases its oils, creating a drink that's both sophisticated and refreshingly botanical with every sip.

Prep: n/a
Cook: n/a
Total: n/a
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

4 servings

11 cup Demerara sugar
11 cup water
12 ounces gin (such as Beefeater)
11 ounce fresh lemon juice
12/3 ounce simple syrup
1Small bunch basil leaves (about 10)
1Basil sprig
1for garnish

Instructions

Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the stove. Cool. Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar. Cover and refrigerate.
Muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add ice and gin and shake. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice. Garnish with a basil sprig.