Monday, December 07, 2009

Cocktail of the Week: The Prairie Basil Gimlet

I managed to rescue some big bunches of basil from our herb garden just before the Arctic blast came through last week. Sure I could whip up some pesto to freeze, but why bother when Central Market is so close at hand. I thought it was much more appropriate to use it in this cocktail recipe I found.

The Prairie Basil Gimlet
Makes one cocktail.

2 ounces high-quality vodka
1/2 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1 squeeze fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
2 large basil leaves

Combine ingredients in a shaker. Muddle the basil gently in the liquid. You want to release the oils without breaking up the leaves. Add aice to the shaker and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with another basil leaf that you spank between your hands to release its oil.

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