We are firmly in the middle of bad winter, that portion of the year that is cold, damp, and grey, without warm seasonal cheer to balance the ill effects. I don’t know how you cope with ill effects, but I’ve heard drinking gin helps sometimes.
Drinking a bright and sunny gin cocktail can help even more, and this basil and gin lemonade situation is not only visually uplifting, but surprisingly spirited. A healthy two ounces of botanical gin are complemented by a handful of fresh basil, then slightly reeled in by an ounce and a half of lemonade, rendering it equal parts potent and sippable—perfect for combating the baddest parts of bad winter. To make it, you will need:
2 ounces gin
1 1/2 ounces lemonade
10 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnishing
Add the basil to a shaker and muddle into oblivion. Add gin, lemonade, and ice, and shake until well chilled. Strain through a fine mesh sieve over a big rock, and garnish with a couple of basil leaves.