Cucumber Basil Smash

By Casa de Suna

Published Jul 17

Botanical and refreshing, this gin smash is a summer cooldown in cocktail form.

Fresh basil balances out the hydrating cucumber, and if you’re looking for a little extra kick, green chillies add a wonderful hit of spice. If you’re using Elderflower liqueur instead of Lillet, start with 3 tbsp sugar instead of ¼ cup, and increase accordingly to suit your sweet tooth.

How to Make It

Difficulty: Easy

Overall Time: 15 min

Prep Time: 15 min

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS
  • 4 mini cucumbers
  • 2 large basil sprigs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 4 oz botanical gin, such as Hendrick’s
  • 2 oz Lillet or elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain
  • Ice cubes
  • Sparkling water
  • Basil sprigs, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Halve one cucumber lengthwise. Peel long ribbons of cucumber from the cut-side. Set aside on a plate. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Chop remaining cucumbers.
  2. Add chopped cucumber, basil sprigs and sugar to a medium bowl. Crush with a cocktail muddler or pestle until coarsely mashed and sugar dissolves.
  3. Stir in lime juice, gin and Lillet. Use right away or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  4. Strain cucumber-mixture through a fine meshed sieve into a liquid measuring cup.
  5. Arrange cucumber slices around the insides of two large glasses. Fill glasses halfway with ice, then add cucumber-mixture. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with more basil sprigs.

How to Store It

Strained Cucumber Basil smash will keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Cucumber Basil Smash Recipe
Cucumber Basil Smash; easter menu

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