Thai basil gimlets

Ravinder Bhogal’s Thai basil gimlets are the perfect pre-dinner cocktail for New Year’s Eve or another special occasion.

Ravinder says: “A gimlet can be made with either gin or vodka, but I prefer a dry gin with citrus notes, like Sipsmith or Tanqueray. The Thai basil syrup brings a wonderful herbaceous note to this classically tart drink, which wakes up the appetite.”

Serve these elegant cocktails alongside Ravinder’s mini larb buns.

About the chef Ravinder Bhogal is the chef/owner of Jikoni n London’s Marylebone. It serves food inspired by Ravinder’s background (born in Kenya to Indian parents) and celebrates the cookery of the UK’s diverse immigrant cultures. She’s written three successful cookery books, writes for various publications and is a regular on TV cookery shows. Follow Ravinder on Instagram @cookinboots