Bourbon Basil Smash

The Story

Ok, so this one actually has a great story if you have a moment to lend an ear (or eye, for that matter).

This is the cocktail that started it all for us. Back in 2015, Devon and I were simply beer people who cared little for other alcoholic drinks – save for the rare rum and Coke. We were on vacation in Northern Michigan, at a brewery, finishing the last of our beer and dinner when the server approached us.

“Anything else I can get you guys?”

Devon and I looked at each other, not actually ready for the question (very much on brand for us) and engaging in an awkward three-second reading of each other’s eyes. Did we want to grab another beer? I think at that point we had nonverbally agreed that we were pretty much beer’d out. The server recognized the hesitation and broke the silence.

“You know, there’s a pretty cool basement cocktail bar downstairs. The elevator over there will take you down to it if you guys want a cocktail.”

Hmm. We figured it might be a fun change of pace. Definitely a bit out of our normal comfort zone but we were on vacation, so why not?

We took the server’s instructions and headed down to the basement level. When the elevator dinged and the doors opened, the only thing we saw was pitch darkness and a faint sound of chatter. Fearing we may have just stepped into a Hostel movie, we proceeded out of the doors with caution. Faintly lit sconces adorned the long hallway that led to a hostess podium. We’re glad we took the “risk” because doing so changed our lives forever.

This was an experience. The menu had rules about being quiet and enjoying the conversation with the people at your table. It both implied and demanded that you are in a classy joint, with classy people, and you are now one of those people too. Then, I sipped the drink that changed things forever.

It was this drink. Yep – the bourbon basil smash. I ordered it on a whim and it was a complete revelation. I remember telling Devon “I didn’t know alcohol could be this good.” And from that moment on, we were both hooked on the craft of cocktails.

This drink has a special place in my heart. It’s the reason that Homebar.io exists. It’s the inspiration that launched 1,000 experiments, led to us building a bar in our basement, and made me completely fall in love with cocktails.

Alright, enough of my gushing.