The little story: from Hamburg to worldwide success
The original cocktail was created in2008 by Jörg Meyerat the barLe Lionin Hamburg, Germany. Its success was meteoric: the same year, it won the award for"Best New Cocktail"at the prestigiousTales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Since then, basil has joined mint in the pantheon of essential herbs behind a bar.
Ingredients for a perfect Virgin Basil Smash
5 to 10 fresh basil leaves(feel free to be generous to achieve that beautiful green color).
2 cuillères à café de sucre en poudre (ou 2 cl de sirop de sucre de canne Monin).
2 cl of freshly squeezed lime juice. pressé minute.
2 cl of egg whiteorFoamer Flavour Blaster(for a creamy and vegan foam).
6 to 8 clof Tonic
Necessary equipment
Glass: Old Fashioned(low glass).
Accessories:Ashaker, amuddlerand afine strainer.
Preparation steps: the "Muddling" technique
Extracting the flavors:Place the basil leaves and sugar at the bottom of your shaker. Using a muddler, gently crush to release the essential oils of the basil without completely breaking it down.
The emulsion:Add the lime juice and the egg white (or your emulsifier).
The Shake:Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. This step will create the signature foam of the "Smash."
The Service:Strain the mixture using a fine sieve (to avoid small pieces of basil) into a glass filled with fresh ice.
The Top-Up:Top up with fresh tonic and gently stir with a spoon to avoid breaking the bubbles.
Decoration:A nice sprig of fresh basil and a thin slice of lime.
FAQ: Your questions about the Alcohol-Free Basil Smash
How to achieve a vibrant green color?
The secret lies in themuddling.By crushing the basil directly with the sugar (which acts as an abrasive), you extract maximum chlorophyll. For an even more intense color, you can use a blender to make a quick basil syrup.
What can replace the egg white in this recipe?
If you want aveganversion or if you are concerned about the smell of egg, useaquafaba(chickpea water) or, even better, theFoamer Flavour Blasteravailable in our shop. A few drops are enough for a stable foam with no residual taste.
Which tonic to choose for a Virgin Basil Smash?
Opt for aTonic Water.with a slight bitterness so as not to mask the basil. A tonic with citrus notes or an "Elderflower Tonic" pairs very well with the herbal profile of the cocktail.
What does the Virgin Basil Smash taste like?
The Virgin Basil Smash offers a complex and refreshing aromatic profile. It combines the acidity of lime, the sweetness of sugar, and the peppery and anise notes of fresh basil. The tonic adds a slight bitterness and fizz that structure the cocktail, making it as satisfying as an alcoholic version.
How to keep the basil nice and green in the cocktail?
To prevent the basil from oxidizing and browning, it should be muddled just before adding the liquid ingredients and ice. The cold from the shaker stops oxidation. Using a quality sugar syrup also helps preserve the brilliance of the chlorophyll color during emulsification.
Can you prepare a Basil Smash in advance?
It is not recommended to prepare the complete mixture in advance as the basil loses its freshness and its color quickly fades. However, you can prepare your homemade basil syrup ahead of time. For perfect service, the muddling of fresh leaves should be done at the moment.