Friday, September 12, 2008

Drink of the Week: Basil Smash

With the summer drawing to a close (it was in the low 40s yesterday morning), I am trying cram in a few more herbed cocktails while I can still pluck fresh herbs from the garden.

This is a basil-y take on a mint julep, and since I just found a bottle of Jim Beam rye, I thought I'd try rye instead of the traditional bourbon. There's also a drink, another julep variation, we've both had (and loved) at the Eastern Standard called the Whiskey Smash. The Smash calls for lemon slices to be added in with the mint.

So here's my variation on the Mint Julep and Whiskey Smash. Both drinks are traditionally served over crushed ice. I didn't feel like pulling out the ice crusher (yes, I own one), so I took the "up" road instead.

Basil Smash

In a mixing glass, muddle together:
  • 2 1/4" slices of lemon
  • large sprig of basil
  • 1/4 ounce of simple syrup (or 2 teaspoons sugar)
Add ice, and
  • 2 ounces rye
Shake until very cold. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with a basil leaf and lemon twist.

2 comments:

Susan said...

What a creative way to use basil!

Sunday Cook said...

I'll admit, it's a lot more fun than pesto!

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