Gin Basil Smash

Step 1: Muddle the Basil

1. Place the fresh basil leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Muddle firmly to bruise the leaves and extract the bright green pigment and essential oils.

Step 2: Shake it Up

1. Add the lemon juice and London Dry Gin to the shaker.
2. Fill the shaker entirely with ice cubes.
3. Secure the lid and shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and cold.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

1. Double-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
2. This keeps tiny bits of basil out of your teeth while keeping that beautiful green color.