Submitted by Sajan Patel, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Hospital Medicine, UCSF Health
My Story
Cocktails have certainly helped me get through the pandemic lockdowns, and cope with all the chaos. Basil gimlets are delicious, simple, refreshing cocktails that are perfect for the hot days we have been having as of late. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe
Total Preparation Time: 5 mins
Total Cooking Time: 5 mins
Ingredients
2 oz Gin or Vodka
1 oz Lime juice
½ oz Simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved in 1 part heated water)
5 leaves Basil
Ice
Method
Muddle the basil leaves and simple syrup in a shaker (can also use a jar with a lid)
Add the gin (or vodka), lime juice, and ice
Shake
Strain through a wire -mesh strainer into a cocktail glass or coupe
Take a leaf of basil, clap it once in your hands (to release its aromatic oils) and gently lay it on the top of the drink
Tips/Pointers To make simple syrup, heat 1 cup of water until close to boil, add 1 cup of sugar, and stir until dissolved. Once dissolved, take off the heat and store in the fridge for up to one month.
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