Experimental: Leprechaun’s Charm

I recently made 4 different herb syrups and have been experimenting with new drinks. I’m starting this series with using basil syrup, which has the sweetness of regular simple syrup with a hint of basil aroma and flavor. I originally tried making this drink with vodka, but I think gin pairs better with basil since gin has more of an herbal flavor. The egg white is a play on whiskey sour and adds a creaminess that binds the sour and herbal flavors in the drink. The resulting drink is bright green with a ring of white at the top, just like a leprechaun!

Leprechaun’s Charm Recipe (1 serving)

• 2 oz. dry gin
• 0.75 oz. lemon juice
• 0.75 oz. basil syrup (recipe here)
• 1 egg white from a large egg
• 4 – 5 basil leaves

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Citrus press
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine mesh strainer
• Coupe glass

Directions

1. Cut the lemon in half and use the citrus press to squeeze 0.75 ounces of juice and pour into the shaker
2. Add the basil syrup, 2 basil leaves, and gin
3. Separate 1 egg white and add to the shaker
4. Seal the shaker and hard shake the mixture without ice for 5-10 seconds (this method is also known as a dry shake and is typically recommended for any drinks containing egg whites)
5. Open the shaker, add 4-8 pieces of ice, and reseal the shaker
6. Shake hard for 20 seconds
7. Place a Hawthorne strainer on top of the shaker and double-strain the drink through a fine mesh strainer placed over the glass
8. To garnish, place the top 2 leaves of the basil sprig at the edge of the glass

Cheers!