Basil & Basil: A garden whiskey smash-up

This one’s the result of recent Measured Spirit labwork with spring produce. A savory, slightly exotic, springy whiskey sour/smash-like thing.

How to make the Basil & Basil cocktail

• Muddle 5 Vietnamese basil leaves with .5 oz Demerara syrup [1:1] and two slices each of lemon and lime.
• Add 2 oz Basil [get it?] Hayden’s bourbon
• Fill muddling glass 2/3 full with ice
• STIR. Citrus, I know, I know, but wait for it…
• Dump the whole thing, Caipirinha-style, into a double Old Fashioned glass
• Smack a big ol’ basil leaf and drop it across the top of the glass

Basil & Basil cocktail tasting notes

• A rustic, seasonal whiskey smash
• The Thai basil brings a peppery licorice vibe
• The citrus and herb debris looks quite lovely in the glass
• The Basil H bourbon works really well here — its soft layers bring some complexity. Must be fate.
• The Demerara adds a sort of whole-grain bottom to the sweetness. I tried straight simple and the whole thing sort of collapsed.

Author: Craig Stoltz

Federal public servant in digital communications; graduate of Leadership for a Democratic Society executive training. Former Washington Post journalist, entrepreneur, ex-Time.com Top 25 blogger. Empty-nest householder. Foodie. But most importantly: Citizen of a certain age hoping to make a contribution at a pivotal point in American history. View all posts by Craig Stoltz