Makes 1 drink
You’ll be all about the basil with no trouble when you try this smooth cocktail. (See what I did there?) I wasn’t a fan of gin until recently—in my 30s. Now I love its herbaceous and floral qualities—which is why I paired it with a yummy basil-infused simple syrup. The lime rounds it out with a nice subtle pucker.
2 ounces gin
½ ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce Basil Simple Syrup (see Note)
Fresh basil leaf, for garnish (optional)
In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lime juice, and basil syrup and shake until chilled. Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice and garnish with a basil leaf, if using.
Note
TO MAKE BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP: Combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let cool, then transfer to a blender. Add ½ cup fresh basil leaves and blend until smooth. Transfer to a lidded jar and refrigerate until ready to use; the syrup will keep for 1 week.