Happy Fridays friends!!

In lieu of the summer ending faster than I am willing to admit, I am sharing the drink I have been drooling over recently. This Gin Lemon Basil Cooler tastes like an adult lemonade… but without all the sugar, juice, and additives.

If you haven’t muddled herbs or fruit for an at-home cocktail before then you are missing out. Simply crush with a mortar and pestle (a bar cart essential for me) and if you don’t have one, you can use a bowl and meat grinder or heavy spoon. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add a small dash of Agave, you’re done! It looks pretty fancy too.

This recipe is over the rocks but you can also add all the ingredients + ice into a blender and make it a frozen treat. 

Note: I have recently been on a Gin kick and loving Gray Whale’s Botanical Gin (that pretty light blue bottle you may come across at your local grocery story. But you could also make this vodka – Tito’s or Pau preferred.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. Gin

1 Lemon

1 tsp. Agave

¼ cup Fresh Basil

¼ – ½ bottle of Sparkling Water (approx. 4oz.)

Ice Cubes

Serving Size: 2

INSTRUCTIONS

• Using a mortar and pestle, muddle the fresh basil. Saving 2-3 leaves for garnish.
• In a cocktail shaker, mix together the vodka, juice on one lemon, and the muddled basil.
• Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
• Fill a serving glass with ice cubes.
• Strain the liquid from the cocktail shaker over the ice.
• Top with sparkling water.
• Enjoy!