A long and refreshing summery drink with an in-season fruit at the centre – perfect for a hot day. The basil in this cocktail is subtle – if you want a serious basil hit, add some more basil to the shaker with the ice – this way you’ll get tiny flecks of basil in your cocktail.
We also love the blackberry syrup poured over yoghurt and fruit with pancakes.

Ingredients

Good handful basil leaves

50ml gin

25ml fresh lemon juice

Club soda

Ice

For the blackberry syrup

300g blackberries

300g sugar

300ml water

Method

For the blackberry syrup
1. Put the sugar, blackberries and water into a saucepan, mash the blackberries a little and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened slightly.
2. Leave to cool, then add the basil.
3. Blend using a jug or stick blender.
4. Transfer to a container and refrigerate.

To make the cocktail
5. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
6. Add 50ml gin, 25ml lemon juice and 25ml blackberry syrup.
7. Shake vigorously for a minute until the shaker feels ice cold.
8. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
9. Top with club soda and garnish with a basil leaf and a few blackberries.