Muay Thai Cocktail

A culinary experience in a glass using flavors—like those often found in Thai and Asian cuisine—that aren’t usually associated with beverages. With ingredients like basil, coconut, jalapeño, and ginger, people expect this drink to be made with rum. But the aromatic botanicals found in Bombay Sapphire gin actually act as ingredients within the drink, making it more complex. The result is a versatile cocktail that fits into a couple of categories. It’s a refreshing before-dinner drink, it makes a great palate cleanser, and it’s also a fine dessert. My favorite cocktails are the ones in which the overall flavor is more than just the sum of the ingredients. This drink accomplishes that in a very unexpected way.

Ingredients:

2 thin jalapeño slices
2 basil sprigs
2 ounces Bombay Sapphire gin
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
½ ounce cream of coconut
½ ounce ginger syrup*

Directions:

Muddle 1 jalapeño slice and 1 basil sprig in a mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients, fill with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with the remaining jalapeño slice and basil sprig.

*Add ¼ cup chopped ginger to ½ quart of water and boil. Add 2 cups of sugar and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and refrigerate.