It is rather the exception that I report here about a single cocktail. Which is actually a shame in principle. However, when various factors come together, there is every reason to break with this rule, which does not exist anyway. Like today, for example. Because a drink that was invented here in Hamburg and is now counted among the 30 best cocktails invented in this millennium, today celebrates a very special anniversary: The Gin Basil Smash created by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion and has since achieved global fame, today celebrates its 6th birthday.
Reason enough to raise the glass appreciatively and with the suggestion of a small bow in the direction of Le Lion to proclaim a toast to this very summer drink (and to urge you to prepare it in the course of the coming summer nights).
Gin Basil Smash
6 cl gin
2 cl lemon
6 – 8 basil leaves
1 – 2 cl sugar syrup
Preparation: Put all ingredients in a shaker, lightly mash the basil vigorously with a muddler. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into tumbler filled with ice cubes (ideally double to extract all basil residue from drink). Garnish with a nice stalk of basil.
Photo:Bernd Euler
