As the days continue to get hotter and hotter, we’re looking for refreshing drinks to mix for happy hour, like Bar Tulia’s daiquiri and Gather’s perfect margarita. For gin lovers, this delightful libation comes courtesy of List Distillery, in Fort Myers, where owner Thomas List puts a fresh spin on the classic basil smash.
The distillery, which opened in 2015, relies heavily on locally sourced ingredients for its line of Mr. Tom’s Spirits. Like at other distilleries, since the pandemic started, the List team has started to use its facility to make hand sanitizer, which they give out for free.
They’re still also serving up their range of naturally infused organic spirits and liqueurs. So order a bottle of the gin and get to smashing with this cocktail that uses cucumber for an added cool factor.
Cucumber Basil Smash
4 ounces of gin (preferably Mr. Tom’s Spirits Gin)
2 ounces lemon juice
2 ounces simple syrup
2 basil leaves
3-5 cucumber wheels
Directions:
- In a mixing glass, shaker, or mortar, muddle basil, cucumber and simple syrup
- Add gin, lemon juice and ice
- Shake and strain into glass and garnish with basil, cucumber and lemon
