The Basil Cuban Cocktail is a sparkling cocktail that combines white rum with the herbaceous flavours of fresh basil leaves.
Basil Cuban Cocktail – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
The Basil Cuban Cocktail is inspired by Audrey Saunders’ The Old Cuban cocktail which is a white rum based cocktail with mint leaves and sparkling wine. This riff on the original substitutes basil for mint and to keep it light and refreshing, soda water is used as the sparkling ingredient in place of brut champagne or prosecco.
Fresh basil leaves from the garden are muddled in a cocktail shaker before the remaining non-sparkling ingredients are added over ice and shaken. The drink is strained in a chilled coupette and topped with soda water.
The Basil Cuban Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 45 ml white rum
- 20 ml simple syrup
- 20 ml lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 6 large basil leaves, more for garnish
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- soda water to top
Glassware: coupette
Garnish: basil leaves
Method
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the basil leaves with simple syrup and lime juice. Add rum, bitters, ice and shake vigorously until cold. Double strain into a chilled coupette. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
