Gin Smash

Ingredients

• 2 oz London Dry Gin
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
• 8 Mint Leaves
• Mint sprig · optional garnish

Method

1. 1

   Gently muddle the mint with the simple syrup in a shaker.

2. 2

   Add the gin, lemon juice, and ice, and shake until well-chilled.

3. 3

   Double-strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

4. 4

   Garnish with a mint sprig.

The Story

The smash is the julep's quicker, sharper cousin: fresh mint and sugar muddled together, a spirit, some citrus, and crushed ice. Bartenders have been smashing since the nineteenth century, and gin is among the most natural fits for the format, as juniper and mint share a cool, green streak.