Ingredients

• 1 cup Demerara sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 ounces gin (such as Beefeater)
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 2/3 ounce simple syrup
• Small bunch basil leaves (about 10)
• Basil sprig, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the stove. Cool. Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add ice and gin and shake. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice. Garnish with a basil sprig.