Ingredients
- 4 Mint Leaves
- 4 Basil Leaves
- 1 tbs Sugar
- 50 ml Lime Juice
- 80 ml Gin
- 50-60 ml Tonic Water or Lemonade
- Ice
Instructions
Crush the Herbs:
- In a shaker, crush the basil, mint, and sugar thoroughly with a mortar to release their flavors.
Add Liquids:
- Add the lime juice, gin, and ice cubes to the shaker.
Shake and Strain:
- Shake well and strain the mixture into your cocktail glass.
Garnish:
- Garnish with lime quarters and leaves of the herbs.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Growing Strong Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
While the name ‘Growing Strong Cocktail’ clearly nods to a certain fictional noble house, the drink itself is a modern creation, likely designed for themed parties or as a refreshing summer sipper. Its herbal base makes it a natural fit for garden parties or casual outdoor events where fresh ingredients are on display.
This drink sits comfortably in the ‘gin smash’ or ‘gin mojito’ family, sharing DNA with classics that feature muddled herbs and citrus. Think of it as a botanical cousin to a Southside or a Gin Basil Smash, but with the added complexity of two distinct herbs and a tonic or lemonade finish. It’s a less common combination than a single herb, which gives it a unique character.
You’d find or serve this cocktail at a backyard barbecue, a casual brunch, or as a welcome drink at a themed gathering. It’s not a dark, contemplative bar drink, but rather a bright, social sipper. It’s also a solid choice for a home bartender looking to use fresh garden herbs.
What it tastes like
On the palate, the Growing Strong Cocktail hits with a bright, herbaceous burst from the mint and basil, quickly followed by the sharp tang of fresh lime. The gin’s botanicals weave through, providing a clean, juniper-forward backbone that prevents the herbs from becoming overwhelming. The tonic or lemonade provides a refreshing, slightly bitter or sweet finish, balancing the muddled elements and leaving a clean aftertaste.
With 80 ml of gin in roughly 180-190 ml of total liquid, this drink clocks in around 17-18% ABV. That makes it significantly stronger than a standard beer, which typically sits around 5% ABV. It’s on par with many shaken cocktails, so it packs a decent punch without being a knockout. It’s a refreshing drink with a respectable alcohol content.
The technique
Building this drink starts with a solid muddle. Get those mint and basil leaves and sugar thoroughly crushed in the shaker to release their oils and dissolve the sugar. Add your gin, lime, and ice, then give it a good, hard shake to chill and combine all those fresh flavors. Strain it into your preferred glass, top with your choice of mixer, and garnish generously with fresh herbs and lime.
The most crucial technique here is the muddle. You want to bruise the herbs enough to release their aromatic oils, but don’t pulverize them. Over-muddling basil in particular can release chlorophyll and tannins, leading to a grassy, bitter taste. A gentle but firm press and twist with the muddler is all it takes to get the job done.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A classic London Dry gin with a balanced botanical profile works best here. Brands like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Plymouth Gin provide the necessary juniper backbone without overpowering the fresh herbs.
- Skip
- Heavily flavored or very floral gins. While delicious in their own right, they can clash with the delicate mint and basil, creating an unbalanced drink.
- Why
- Gin is the backbone of this cocktail, providing the alcoholic base and its signature botanical complexity. A good gin complements the herbs and citrus, giving the drink structure and depth beyond just fresh flavors.
Fresh Mint & Basil
- Use
- Only use fresh, vibrant mint and basil leaves. Look for bright green, unblemished leaves. Spearmint is generally preferred for cocktails, and sweet basil works well.
- Skip
- Dried herbs or extracts. These will not provide the same bright, aromatic freshness and can lead to a flat or off-tasting drink. There’s no substitute for fresh here.
- Why
- These two herbs are the heart and soul of the Growing Strong Cocktail. They provide the dominant aromatic and flavor profile, making the drink ‘green’ and refreshing. Their combination is what makes this drink stand out.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Rum Garden
- A lighter, sweeter, tropical take.
- Swap the gin for a good quality white rum. The rum’s inherent sweetness and grassy notes will play differently with the herbs, leaning towards a Mojito-esque vibe.
Vodka Strong
- A clean, spirit-forward herb experience.
- Substitute the gin with a neutral vodka. This allows the mint and basil to truly shine without any competing botanical notes from the base spirit, resulting in a very clean, herbaceous drink.
Agave Strong
- A subtle shift in sweetness.
- Replace the granulated sugar with 15 ml of agave nectar. This provides a different kind of sweetness, often perceived as slightly richer or more complex than plain sugar.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try rosemary or thyme, but understand the flavor profile will shift dramatically. Rosemary can be potent, so use sparingly.
Lemon juice works in a pinch, but it’s typically less tart and has a different aromatic quality. You might need to adjust the sugar slightly.
Soda water will give you a drier, less sweet drink. Ginger ale or ginger beer can also work for a spicier, sweeter alternative.
You can muddle the herbs and sugar directly in your serving glass. Add the gin, lime, and ice, stir well to chill, then top with your mixer. The chilling won’t be as efficient, but it will still work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Growing Strong Cocktail?
A Growing Strong Cocktail contains gin, fresh mint leaves, fresh basil leaves, sugar, lime juice, and is topped with tonic water or lemonade. It’s served over ice.
Is the Growing Strong Cocktail sweet?
It’s balanced. The sugar and your choice of tonic water or lemonade add sweetness, but the fresh lime juice and gin’s botanicals keep it from being overly sugary, aiming for a refreshing balance.
What kind of gin should I use for this drink?
A classic London Dry gin with a clear juniper and citrus profile is ideal. Avoid overly floral or experimental gins that might clash with the fresh mint and basil.
Can I make this drink without alcohol?
Yes, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version. Skip the gin and use a non-alcoholic spirit alternative, or simply increase the mixer and lime juice for a refreshing herbal soda.
Can I make a batch of the Growing Strong Cocktail?
Absolutely. Muddle a larger quantity of herbs and sugar, add lime juice and gin, then chill the mixture. When ready to serve, pour individual portions over ice and top with tonic water or lemonade.
What kind of glass should I use for a Growing Strong Cocktail?
A tall glass like a Collins or highball is ideal. This allows plenty of room for ice, the liquid, and the mixer, and showcases the drink’s vibrant green color and garnishes.
What does it mean to ‘muddle’ herbs?
To muddle means to gently crush ingredients, typically fresh herbs or fruit, in the bottom of a shaker or glass. This releases their essential oils, flavors, and aromas without pulverizing them to a pulp.
Is the Growing Strong Cocktail a strong drink?
It’s moderately strong, similar to many shaken cocktails, clocking in around 17-18% ABV. It’s definitely stronger than a typical beer, so it offers a good kick with its refreshing flavors.
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