Description
The Cucumber Basil Smash is a refreshing, herbaceous gin cocktail that blends fresh basil and crisp cucumber with a touch of sweetness and a hint of citrus. Perfect for a warm day, this easy-to-make drink combines muddled fresh ingredients shaken with gin and sugar syrup, topped with tonic water for a light, effervescent finish.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 8 basil leaves
- 8 slices cucumber (about 5mm thick)
- 2 tbsp sugar syrup
- 50 ml (1.75 oz) gin (Tanqueray or Hendricks recommended)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Crushed ice, as needed
- Splash of tonic water (naturally light Fever Tree preferred)
For Garnish and Glass Decoration
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for decorating the glass, optional)
- Strips of cucumber (use a vegetable peeler to make these)
- A few basil leaves to decorate
Instructions
- Decorate Glass Rim: Dip the rim of your serving glass into a small amount of water, then immediately dip it into granulated sugar spread on a plate to create a sweet, decorative rim. Set the glass aside.
- Muddle Basil and Cucumber: Place basil leaves and cucumber slices into a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or wooden spoon to gently mash them until bruised and aromatic, releasing the fresh scents and flavors.
- Add Liquids and Ice, Then Shake: Pour in the sugar syrup, gin, and lemon juice into the shaker. Add crushed ice until filled, then shake vigorously until the shaker's exterior frosts over, indicating the mixture is chilled.
- Prepare Serving Glass and Strain: Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Using a strainer, pour the cocktail mix from the shaker into the glass, filtering out the muddled bits.
- Top and Garnish: Add a splash of tonic water to top off the drink. Garnish with cucumber strips and a few fresh basil leaves to enhance aroma and presentation. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using fresh basil and cucumber is essential for the bright, fresh flavor characteristic of this cocktail.
- The sugar syrup can be homemade by mixing equal parts sugar and water and heating until dissolved, then cooled before use.
- For a lighter cocktail, adjust the gin amount to taste or opt for a low-alcohol gin.
- Chilling your glass beforehand enhances the drinking experience.
- This cocktail can be easily doubled or multiplied for serving more guests.
