Based in Adelaide, Aussie bartender and distiller Steven Roennfeldt is best known for his “Steve the Bartender” YouTube channel, which he started in 2015 (he can also be found on Instagram and TikTok at @stevethebartender). This is his take on a drink created by Joerg Meyer, the owner of the Le Lion bar in Germany, where they make about 300 to 500 Basil Smashes a week, he estimates.
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Basil Smash Recipe
Adapted from Steve the Bartender’s Cocktail Guide, by Steven Roennfeldt (DK Publishing, 2022)
Ingredients
- 10 basil leaves
- 2 ounces gin*
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- Basil sprig, for garnish
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the basil leaves. Add remaining ingredients and ice. Shake for 10 to 12 seconds, then double strain over fresh ice into an Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with a generously leafy basil sprig.
*If possible, opt for a gin with savory tones. Holland’s Rutte Celery Gin is Meyer’s preferred pick (you can also try Gray Whale Gin or Gin Mare). Alternatively, add a couple of dashes of celery bitters to the shaker.
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2024 of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!
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Published: June 11, 2024
