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 Yuzu Fizz Recipe:
Combining gin, yuzu juice, and aquafaba, the Yuzu Fizz is a signature cocktail at Wayan, a trendy NYC-based restaurant that opened its doors in 2019.
Negroni Pops Recipe:
It isn't too late for boozy summer treats! Enjoy all the classic flavors of a negroni in adult popsicle form with this Negroni Pops recipe.
The Pineapple Berry Bramble Recipe:
Add tropical vibes to the Bramble, a classic gin cocktail, with pineapple juice and homemade raspberry syrup. Get the recipe here.
The Always the Sun Recipe:
The Always the Sun cocktail, from Oklahoma City's Barkeep Supply, inoculates winter-weary guests with a dose of creamy, citrusy vitamin C.
Mandarin Gin Sparkler Recipe:
Fresh herbs, sweet citrus, and dry gin headline this summery spin on spiked lemonade, made effervescent with a splash of sparkling wine.