Right now we are swimming in Basil. Of course we will make pesto -- but what we really want are cocktails! Here are a couple of fun recipes inspired by Jerry Traunfeld's The Herbal Kitchen. Let us know if you love them!
Basil syrup
1/2c water
1/2 c fine or baker's sugar (use white sugar or the syrup can have a funny color)
1 1/2c basil leaves
1/8 tsp baking soda (you won't taste it - it help the syrup retain its color)
Blanch the Basil leaves by plunging into a small pot of boiling water for 10 seconds or so, drain and plunge again into a small bowl of ice water.
Drain and squeeze excess water from leaves.
Put water, blanched basil, sugar and baking soda into blender and puree for approximately 30 seconds - you should have a beautiful dark green syrup. Next, pour the syrup through a fine sieve or strainer - you may need to use the back of a spoon to push through the liquid. And that's it! The syrup will store for 2-3 days in the fridge. Now you are ready for cocktails...
Basil Lemon Summer Cocktail
5-6 oz basil syrup
7-8 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
6 oz vodka
sprigs of basil and thin slices of lemon for garnish
Serves 2+
Combine syrup, juice, and vodka in a shaker with ice. Shake until frosted. Pour over ice in 2 glasses. Garnish with basil and lemon. On a hot summer day, it can be nice to add a little sparking water or club soda to lighten things up.
Basil Lime Fizz
2 Tablespoons basil syrup
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
Chilled sparkling water
Serves 1
Pour syrup and lime juice in a tall glass. Add lots of ice and sparkling water, stir and enjoy...of course you can also experiment by adding your favorite gin or vodka and add a little extra fizz...