I have been playing with Jamie's famous Basil Gimlet recipe.

If you want to send the flavor profile of the Basil over-the-top, then make your own basil syrup.

Simple syrup is a 1/1 mixture of sugar and water. Mix until dissolved and bring to a boil. When it cools, it is usefull for many things; thinned out a little for humming birds, a base for sorbet, or a common mixer.

I bruised a few basil leaves and dropped them into the syrup right after I removed it from the heat. After it cooled, I strained the syrup into a container that was moved to the fridge. Wow! Did it make a difference! Huge basil flavor.

You will either need to get a lot of basil or plant a few plants. My Irish/Italian bride is the pasta sauce queen and we have a few plants. After this though, I'll need to plant a few more!

Here is the recipe.

Basil Gimlet

2 1/2 oz. gin (or vodka)
juice from 1 lime
1/2-1 oz simple syrup (to individual tastes)
5 large basil leaves
1 small basil leaf (for garnish)

Light crush basil leaves with a quick squeeze in the hand and put in a cocktail shaker.

Add ice, lime juice, simple syrup, and gin

Shake and let let stand 10 seconds

Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with small basil leaf.


Enjoy!