The Gin Basil Smash was created in 2008 by German bartender Jörg Meyer at Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg. Originally called the Gin Pesto, it was inspired by the flavours of a Tom Collins, but with fresh basil muddled into the drink. Its vivid green colour, fresh herbal aroma, and simple combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar and basil quickly made it popular, earning Meyer international recognition and helping establish the cocktail as a modern classic.
Here’s how we did it:
Gin Basil Smash.
50ml Gin, Hendricks
25ml Lemon Juice
15ml Simple syrup 1:1
5-8 basil leaves
Add your basil leaves and syrup to the shaker and muddle gently.
Be sure to press but not twist the muddler, not tear the leaves.
Add the juice and gin with lots of ice.
Shake hard and double strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
Garnish with a basil sprig.
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Arcadia&Co.
Arcadia&Co. 
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