This afternoon’s cocktail is one inspired by Kathryne Taylor: the Basil Gimlet. Like Ms. Taylor, part of the driving force behind my choice of this cocktail today was a surplus of basil from my wife’s garden.
I made a few gentle modifications. I used a bit more gin, and I muddled the basil with the agave nectar, rather than on its own. But make no mistake: this is not my own creation—all credit to Ms. Taylor.
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 2 tsp agave nectar
- 4 fresh basil leaves
Muddle the basil leaves gently with the agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Then add the other ingredients and shake with ice. Double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and basil leaf.
It’s a delightful drink. The botanicals in the gin play well with the intensity of the basil, and the earthy flavor of the agave nectar adds a bit more complexity to the drink in a way that simple syrup wouldn’t. I definitely plan to make this again throughout the summer! I also plan to peruse Cookie + kate for more cocktail (and other) recipes. The Beautiful Red Bell in particular sounds like one to try.