When basil season finally arrives, this perfect summer highball is one of my favorite ways to use it. You start by muddling fresh basil leaves from the farmers’ market, and then add lime and pineapple juices, gin, and simple syrup, topped with lime sparkling water. The color is beautiful, and the fresh aromatics shine through.
Ingredients
1 ½ ounces gin
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
¾ ounce simple syrup
8 basil leaves
Top with lime sparkling water
Lime peel and edible flowers for garnish (optional)
Directions
Muddle basil leaves in a cocktail shaker.
Add gin, lime juice, pineapple juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with ice.
Shake to combine, and then strain over fresh ice into highball glass.
Top with lime sparkling water.
Garnish with lime peel and edible flowers, if using.
The Boozy Watermelon Lemonade Recipe:
For peak refreshment, cocktail expert Jordan Hughes mixes citrusy gin with fresh watermelon and lemon juice, plus a splash of ginger liqueur and rosemary simple syrup. Learn how to make his recipe here.
The Colonial Cocktail Recipe:
Gin, Aperol, and sparkling wine come together in this bright, bubbly cocktail from NYC cafe Shoo Shoo. Learn how to make the recipe here.
The London Fog:
The London Fog — no, not the latte — is a "hair of the dog" cocktail consisting of just gin and absinthe. Check out the recipe here!
The Strawberry Gin Sour Recipe:
Spot some nice-looking berries at your local grocer or farmers' market? Mix up this silky gin sour, made with fresh lemon and orange liqueur.
Winter Jewel French 75:
This cocktail with a Champagne topping truly sparkles. It’s the perfect drink to toast with as you ring in the new year.
The Saturn:
In the conversation of tiki cocktails, the Saturn is a relatively simple drink, boasting a bill of just five components. Check it out here!