JB Combine

by T.J. Siegal

The JB Combine, otherwise known as the Greenie Meanie or Basil Bomb, has become an institution. The drink was created by T.J. Siegal, a friend and former bar manager of Alto. The drink is great year-round, but shines brightest when fresh basil is available.

Small handful of fresh basil
3/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup*
2 oz Hendrick's gin
Chilled martini glass

Place a small handful of basil into a shaker. Add the lemon juice and simple syrup to the shaker and muddle. Add gin and fill the shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to continue muddling. Strain into a chilled
martini glass. As a finishing touch, put a basil leaf in your hand; slap it to release the fresh basil oils, and place it on top of the drink. Salute!

* This is a great way to make simple syrup that works perfectly for the JB Combine: Put half a pound of granulated sugar in a half-liter container. Fill to the top with hot water, and stir till dissolved. Chill.