As far as gin goes, Hendrick’s is unique. Distilled with eleven botanicals including juniper berries, coriander seeds and more, the spirit is then infused with cucumber and rose petals. The result is smooth and fragrant, lending itself perfectly to a classic gin and tonic—sans lime.
The go-to garnish for drinks made with Hendrick’s is another green fruit (yes, a fruit) less often seen in cocktails: cucumber. In this particular tipple, the refreshing warm-weather ingredient has a starring role, muddled with basil and simple syrup.
“Fresh and slightly fruity, this cocktail tastes as beautiful as it looks. It’s a perfect companion for summertime sipping and really glorifies the cucumber as an ingredient,” says Jim Ryan, the actor-turned-mixologist and Hendrick’s brand ambassador behind this concoction.
Here’s how it’s done.
THE CUCUMBER BASIL SMASH
1.5 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
.75 oz. simple syrup
One small bunch of basil (3-5 leaves)
3-5 cucumber wheels
In a mixing glass, muddle basil, cucumber, and simple syrup. Add Hendrick’s Gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and fine strain into an iced double rocks glass. Garnish with bunch of basil and a cucumber wheel.
