Summer, on our side of the globe at least, is all about fresh basil – caprese salads, homemade pesto, and of course – basil cocktails.
The Basil Gimlet is the most perfect and pure of these, with a flavor that tastes like the aroma of fresh basil in the sunshine. For this drink, stick to a neutral or juniper-forward gin; Hendricks and other floral gins will muddy the fresh herbal flavor. Vodka also works here, giving the basil no competition for dominance.
For maximum effect, garnish the drink with a leaf of fresh basil, slapped once between your hands. It keeps the leaf looking pretty, but releases wonderful aromatic oils that enhance the flavor of the drink.
