Basil Crush

This light and refreshing cocktail is a must-try for summer. Citrus vodka, fresh lime juice, basil-infused simple syrup, with just a splash of club soda. Serve it up in big red wine glasses with plenty of ice. Just be sure to have this recipe handy because your guests will be asking!

I first tried this cocktail about 10 years ago at one of our favorite local restaurants. The bartender/mixologist at the time was a stupendous creator of unique and imaginary off-the-menu cocktails.

One particular Saturday night, we decided to stop in and have drinks and appetizers at the bar. This stellar concoction was one of her feature cocktails that night. Man, what a clever way to use some of that summer basil they have growing in their rooftop garden. Note to self: I have an abundance of that myself.

This is my best attempt at recreating this sensational cocktail. Personally, I think it's pretty spot-on. Since then, it has become a regular on our summer cocktail-making menu.

You'll want to start by making the simple syrup. To do this, place 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 10-12 large basil leaves (not the stems). Microwave on high 1 to 2 minutes. Stir and reheat if needed until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool on the counter for an hour. Discard the basil leaves and refrigerate until ready to use.

To make the cocktails, add 4 ounces citrus vodka, 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice, 3 ounces basil simple syrup, and 5-6 basil leaves to a shaker. Shake vigorously to mix well and muddle the basil leaves. Pour into 2 large red wine glass, filled with ice. Top each cocktail with club soda. Garnish with fresh lime slices and a few basil leaves. Cheers!

This recipe makes 2 cocktails.

Let's get cooking!

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Ingredients

Basil crush:

• 4 ounces citrus or lemon vodka

• 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice

• 3 ounces basil simple syrup (recipe follows)

• 5-6 basil leaves

• Club soda

• Additional lime slices and basil leaves for garnish, if desired

Basil simple syrup:

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup of water

• 10-12 large basil leaves

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How to make

Basil Crush:

1. Combine 4 ounces citrus vodka, 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice, 3 ounces basil simple syrup, and 5-6 basil leaves in a shaker.

2. Shake vigorously to mix well and muddle the basil leaves.

3. Pour into 2 large red wine glass, filled with ice.

4. Top each cocktail with club soda.

5. Garnish with fresh lime slices and a few basil leaves.

6. Enjoy!

7. Please scroll to the bottom to share your comments and feedback.

Basil simple syrup:

1. Place 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Add 10-12 large basil leaves (not the stems).

3. Microwave on high 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Stir and reheat if needed until the sugar is completely dissolved.

5. Allow to cool on the counter for 1 hour.

6. Discard the basil leaves and refrigerate until ready to use.