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Grinch's Last Word Cocktail/Mocktail
Recipe No. 8

Grinch's Last Word Cocktail/Mocktail

Inspired by a classic “The Last Word”, this festive, elegant cocktail gets its fragrant kick and colour from thai basil, star anise and allspice.

Basil and spice syrup can be made ahead, ready to shake up delicious cocktails or mocktails for your party this season.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cooking time
10 minutes
Additional time
30 minutes
Serves
8
Recipe image by Alicja Sieronski
Photo by Alicja Sieronski

Ingredients

Basil and spice simple syrup

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup caster sugar
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves or a mixture
  • 5 allspice berries
  • 1 Star anise

One cocktail/mocktail

  • ¾ ounce basil and spice syrup
  • ¾ ounce gin or alcohol free gin
  • ¾ ounce lime juice
  • Ice
  • 1 maraschino cherry to garnish, use cocktail cherries for alcohol free version

WHAT ELSE YOU’LL NEED

  • Blender
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Cocktail measure
Recipe image by Alicja Sieronski
Photo by Alicja Sieronski

Instructions

To make the basil and spice syrup, combine water, sugar, and spices in a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove syrup from heat and let it steep for 30 minutes - 2 hours.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl filled with water and some ice cubes.

Once the water is boiling, add the basil and cook for about 10 seconds. Quickly transfer to the ice bath. When cold, transfer onto a clean kitchen towel.

Remove berries and star anise from cooled syrup and place it with blanched basil leaves in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Pour the syrup into a fine sieve and let sit. Do not press it. Once done, transfer to a sterilized glass jar. Let cool completely before storing in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

To make a cocktail, add gin, basil syrup and lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.

Strain into a chilled glass.

Garnish with a cherry.

Cheers!

Recipe image by Alicja Sieronski
Photo by Alicja Sieronski
Finished recipe image by Alicja Sieronski
Photo by Alicja Sieronski

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