Gin Basil Smash - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup demerara sugar
2/3 ounce simple syrup
For Cocktail
2 ounces gin
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
2/3 ounce simple syrup
1 small bunch basil leaves (about 10)
basil sprig, for garnish

Preparation

Make the simple syrup: Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the stove. Cool. Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar. Cover and refrigerate.
Make the cocktail: Muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add ice and gin and shake. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice. Garnish with a basil sprig.