On a hot and humid evening, I visited Goin' Coastal seafood restaurant in Virginia-Highland and, at the suggestion of the bartender, ordered a Basil Smash cocktail while waiting on my lobster dinner. This drink was perfect to cool off and to sip on all during dinner. I love the taste of basil, but would have never thought of using this herb in a cocktail. I'd love to serve this drink to guests in my home if you can get the recipe for me. —John Wolfinger, Atlanta
Melissa Laur, beverage director for Goin' Coastal, was glad to share the recipe. Sadly, the restaurant closed the Virginia-Highland location (there's still a Goin' Coastal in Canton and a similar drink is available there on their seasonal cocktail menu as Basil Limeade).
Laur said the drink was a fixture on the menu. “This drink may seem seasonal, but its popularity kept it on the menu year-round at Goin’ Coastal. We offered variations as well with pomegranate and pink grapefruit, for example.”
It’s an easy drink for the home bartender as there aren’t too many ingredients and it’s mixed right in the jar it’s served in.
To make your own simple syrup, heat 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 cup water. Warm just enough to dissolve the sugar, then allow to cool. Extra simple syrup will keep refrigerated for up to one month.
From the menu of … Goin’ Coastal, 125 W. Main St., Canton. 770-479-3737. goincoastalseafood.com
Is there a recipe from a metro Atlanta restaurant you’d like to make at home? Tell us and we’ll try to get it. We’ll also test it and adapt it for the home kitchen. Because of volume, we can’t answer all inquiries. Send your request, your address and phone number to fromthemenu@gmail.com and put “From the menu of” and the name of restaurant in the subject line.
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