Recipe of the day: The spicy vanilla julep cocktail

Discover a refreshing, fragrant drink that awakens the senses and redefines your cocktail experience with every sip. The spicy vanilla julep cocktail is an adventurous twist on a classic. Thai basil leaves release a vibrant aroma, adding a unique spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the smooth, smoky notes of Scotch whisky. Ingredients 50ml Scotch whisky (equivalent to a double shot in SA) 8 mint leaves 8 Thai basil leaves 15 ml sugar syrup 15 ml chilled water Crushed ice Sprig of mint (for garnish) Equipment Julep cup or tall glass (approx. 300ml to 400ml capacity) Barspoon Metal or glass straw Method Combine: Clap the mint and Thai basil leaves sharply between your hands to release their aromatic oils. Drop them into your julep cup or glass. Press: Add the 50ml Scotch whisky, 15ml sugar syrup, and 15ml chilled water to the cup. Lightly press the ingredients using a muddler or bar spoon to integrate the flavours. Mix: Fill the cup with crushed ice and churn the mixture thoroughly using your bar spoon. Garnish: Top up the glass with an extra mound of crushed ice. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and serve with a straw. Recipe supplied by JohnnieWalker.com Print Recipe of the day The spicy vanilla Julep cocktail The Spicy Vanilla Julep cocktail is an adventurous twist on a classic. Thai basil leaves release a vibrant aroma, adding a unique spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the smooth, smoky notes of Johnnie Walker Black Label. 50 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label (equivalent to a double shot in SA) 8 Mint leaves 8 Thai basil leaves 15 ml Sugar syrup 15 ml Chilled water Crushed ice Sprig of mint (for garnish) Equipment Julep Cup or tall glass (approx. 300 ml to 400 ml capacity) Barspoon Metal or glass straw Method Combine: Clap the mint and Thai basil leaves sharply between your hands to release their aromatic oils. Drop them into your Julep cup or glass. Press: Add the 50 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label, 15 ml sugar syrup, and 15 ml chilled water to the cup. Lightly press the ingredients using a muddler or bar spoon to integrate the flavours. Mix: Fill the cup with crushed ice and churn the mixture thoroughly using your bar spoon. Garnish: Top up the glass with an extra mound of crushed ice. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and serve with a straw.