Thai Basil Gimlet, a classic cocktail with Thai influences
Thai basil adds a spicy, anise-like flavor to various dishes, but it is also an important condiment in a classic cocktail, the Basil Gimlet. The Gimlet is a delicious cocktail with lime and gin. The Thai basil gives a spicy twist to this elegant classic.
The regular Thai basil looks different from the sweet variety. The stems are tinted purple, the leaves are much smaller and more pointed. If you chew on a raw leaf, the taste of licorice or anise immediately stands out. It is a fantastic addition to Thai curries and other dishes.
To balance the taste of the sour lime and the sweet syrup, Thai basil is great for a gimlet. Of course you can also use sweet basil, but only the normal Thai basil gives you that typical spicy taste.
A gimlet is by definition a somewhat sour drink. It is said that Sir Thomas Gimlette first mixed gin with lime juice and administered the drink to sailors to prevent scurvy. Although not part of the classic gimlet recipe, some elderflower liqueur is also added to this recipe.
Thai Basil Gimlet
Ingredients:
- 6 large Thai basil leaves plus extra for garnish
- 15 ml of sugar syrup
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 45 ml gin (or vodka)
- 30 ml St. Germain elderflower liqueur (you can also leave it out)
Preparation:
Place the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker and add the sugar syrup and lime juice. Mix in the basil leaves and crush with a cocktail pestle. Add the gin and St Germain and fill the shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Pour the mixture through a sieve into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of Thai basil.
Enjoy!