The Gin Basil Smash

About The Gin Basil Smash

The Gin Basil Smash is a modern classic that delivers garden-fresh vibrancy in a crisp and herbaceous format. Created in 2008 by Jörg Meyer in Hamburg, this cocktail combines the clean botanicals of London Dry gin with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, a touch of rich cane syrup, and a generous handful of fresh basil leaves; muddled to release their aromatic oils. Shaken and served over ice, the result is a refreshing, green-tinged cocktail that’s as eye-catching as it is flavorful; perfect for warm weather and fans of herbal-forward drinks.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. London Dry Gin

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• 1⁄3 oz. Monin Pure Cane Syrup

• 12 Basil Leaves

• Basil Sprig for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Floral

Method:

Muddle basil sprigs in base of shaker. Add other ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into chilled glass.

The Spicy Fifty

About The Spicy Fifty

The Spicy Fifty is a modern and bold cocktail that adds a spicy twist to the classic French 75. This refreshing and effervescent drink combines gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a kick of jalapeño for a delightful mix of floral, citrusy, and spicy flavors. The Spicy Fifty offers a contemporary take on the timeless elegance of the French 75, making it a dynamic and flavorful cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Gin

• 3/4 oz Elderflower Liqueur (such as St-Germain)

• 1/2 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup

• 1-2 slices Jalapeño (adjust to spice preference)

• Sparkling Wine (to top up)

• Jalapeño slice or lemon twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spicy

Method:

In a shaker, muddle 1-2 slices of jalapeño (adjust based on spice preference). Add gin, elderflower liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to infuse the spiciness. Strain the contents into a chilled flute or coupe glass. Top up with sparkling wine. Garnish with a jalapeño slice or a lemon twist.

The Army & Navy

About The Army & Navy

First published in 1948 by David Embury’s The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, the Army & Navy is a classically styled cocktail that presents a floral and fragrant taste. This cocktail is reputed to be named after the rivalry between West Point and the Naval Academy in college sports.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. London Dry Gin

• ½ oz. Orgeat Syrup

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• Dash of Angostura Bitters

• Garnish with a Lemon Twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:     Up

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

The Bramble

About The Bramble

This English IBA Cocktail hails from London and was invented in the 1980s. The name of the drink comes from the fact that blackberry bushes are called brambles. The Bramble was invented as a springtime cocktail ans is best enjoyed with “red fruits” such as blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries as something to snack on.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• ½ oz. Blackberry Liqueur

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup

• Crushed Ice

• Blackberry & Lemon Wheel for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Fill glass with crushed ice. Build gin, lemon juice and simple syrup over. Stir, and then pour blackberry liqueur over in a circular fashion to create marbling effect. Garnish with two blackberries and lemon slice.