With spring leaping into summer and sunshine alternating with afternoon rain showers, the basil is strutting her stuff and pushing her way all over the herb garden. Those bright green leaves seem to be multiplying every day, just begging to be enjoyed. And is there any fresher way to get that taste of herbal gusto than drinking it? Enter the Basiltini!
In these my wiser years, I have become a huge fan of the mocktail, and the Mock Basiltini is one of my favorites. My Monday mornings are a heck of a lot more pleasant when I opt for these nonalcoholic concoctions on a sultry Sunday afternoon instead of more powerful options. But for you weekend warriors, I’ve included spiking instructions so either way you have a delicious excuse to enjoy one of Mother Nature’s tastiest green goddesses.
For more mocktail creations and potent libations, check out Chapter 9 of GUMBO LOVE.
Mock Basiltini
INGREDIENTS
4 fresh basil leaves, plus 1 for garnish
1 1/2 ounces simple syrup (recipe below)
2 lemon wedges
2 lime wedges, plus 1 for garnish
2 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice
4 ounces soda water
- Combine the basil leaves and the simple syrup in a metal cocktail shaker. Squeeze the juice from the lemon and lime wedges into the shaker and muddle softly, gently bruising the basil leaves.
- Add a scoop of ice to the shaker. Pour the grapefruit juice over the ice. Shake in the shaker.
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Strain the ingredients from the shaker into the glass.
- Top with soda water and garnish with the lime wedge and basil leaf.
To make this alcoholic: add 3 ounces high-quality vodka or gin to the cocktail shaker
To make simple syrup: Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Once cool, pour the syrup into a storage container. It will keep, refrigerated, for a long time.
