Color matches taste with this cocktail, created by Brett Esler, barman at Whisler’s in Austin. “The ginger beer and basil keep this drink light with bright, fresh, cooling notes that keep you wanting a second and third sip. It’s hard to drink only one of these when you feel like you’re walking around in a sauna all day long,” says Esler.
INGREDIENTS
- 3-4 basil leaves
- 2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch (or other bourbon)
- 1 oz. Licor 43
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1½ oz. ginger beer (preferably dry and spicy)
- 1 basil sprig
DIRECTIONS
Gently muddle basil in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, bourbon, Licor 43, and lemon juice. Shake for ten seconds. Double strain over ice into a mason jar and top with ginger beer. Garnish with basil sprig.