Bourbon Basil Smash

Bourbon Basil Smash

from southernliving.com
45 min
2 servings

A bourbon basil smash is a fun and refreshing drink for the South's hottest seasons. Basil adds a refreshing herbal note to this bourbon cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus 8 additional leaves, divided
  • 1/2 cup ice, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz.) bourbon
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
  • Basil sprigs
  • Lemon slices

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring sugar, water, and 1/2 cup of the basil to a boil over medium, and boil until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Pour basil simple syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a small heatproof container, discarding leaves. Syrup can be kept, refrigerated in an airtight container, for up to 1 month.

  2. 2

    Muddle remaining 8 basil leaves in bottom of a cocktail shaker using a muddler. Add 1/2 cup ice to cocktail shaker with bourbon, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons basil simple syrup (Reserve remaining syrup for another use). Shake vigorously until chilled, about 30 seconds. Fill 2 lowball glasses with additional ice. Pour cocktail through fine mesh strainer evenly into glasses, and garnish each with a basil sprig and lemon slice.