It’s that time of the year again: World Gin Week and what better way to celebrate gin, by giving some travel inspired cocktails.

First off we’d like to introduce the Basil Gimlet, a tasty twist on the classic Gimlet. Mixologist Brecht Machiels from Let’s Drink Cocktails chose this recipe inspired by city trips around the world. Why might you ask? Well, classic cocktails always remind us of the big city vibes like New York City but Brecht also wanted to incorporate an ingredient inspired by foodies who search for the best local spots to eat. Therefore, basil comes into play as an ingredient not found often in cocktails, but plays well with the citrus notes of the chosen gin.

• Ingredients
  
  
  • 60 ml The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
  • 22 ml simple syrup
  • 22 ml lime juice
  • 6 leaves of basil + 2 as garnish
  How do I make the Basil Gimlet?
  First add 6-8 leaves of basil, depending on the size of the leaves and to your own taste, to a cocktail shaker. Muddle the leaves to release the oil and aroma’s of the leaves. Add to the shaker: 60ml of gin, 22 ml of lime juice (will be close to the juice of one lime depending on the size and ripeness of the lime) and 22ml of simple syrup. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 20 - 30 seconds.
  
  Strain the drink into a chilled glass (this can be done by adding and removing ice or by setting the glass in a freezer for 15 minutes).
• Do I need simple syrup?
  Simple syrup is an ingredient that can easily be found in stores but even easier to make yourself. Add equal amounts of water and sugar to a pan and heat until almost boiling. Stir well so that the sugar dissolves.
• Which gin is best to use?
  Brecht chose to use The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, because of the citrus and herbal notes and the mint balances well with the basil. Get your The Botanist Islay Dry Gin here.

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