Lemon and basil are a great combination for a refreshing drink during the warmer months of the year. Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh, seasonal basil leaves.
Yields 2 cocktails
Ingredients:
4oz vodka
2oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 ½ – 3oz Basil Simple Syrup (recipe below)
4 oz soda water
Garnish: lemon slices and basil leaves
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup and shake vigorously.
Strain into an ice-filled highball glass or goblet and top with the soda water. Add garnish if desired.
Basil Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 small bunch of basil leaves (15 leaves)
Combine sugar, water and basil leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a healthy simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.
Strain the mixture into a jar, discarding the leaves.
Cheers!
Tip:
Flavored syrups generally last about 2 weeks in an air tight jar stored in a fridge.