Summer is here! Or at least in theory it is here, we are in the depths of June Gloom here in Venice and boy is it depressing. We may as well be living in Seattle it is so gray every single day!

About one hour of every day the sun peaks it’s head out and if we are so luck that it lands on a Friday afternoon, then it’s straight to the backyard with a cocktail to catch some rays. And this week we spiced it up with a homemade basil and gin drink. 

I used to only buy gin because the Gray Whale and Gunpowder Irish bottles are so dang pretty. The blues! I like to use the empty bottles as flower vases around the house. 

But after our trip to Australia, Nick and I are officially gin drinkers! Why you ask? Is Australia known for gin? Well not necessarily, but whenever we go to a new place, we do like to try their local wine, beer, and/or spirit. One day 2 of our trip, we ventured in the pouring rain (and driving on the opposite side of the street) to Yarra Valley for some rainy wine tasting, an animal sanctuary (made a bucket list item come true… saw my favorite animal the Platypus IRL!), and also went to the Four Pillars Gin Distillery, which was the best decision. The local distillery makes really interesting seasonal flavors – think Yuzu, Olive Leaf, Bloody Shiraz – and my personal favorite (and digestive system burner) Navy Strength. 

Anyway! I say all that because I want you to keep an eye out if you see it in stores or bars, give it a try. It’s really good! Also because it inspired our recent gin kick. This being one of them. 

You can bypass making your own simple syrup by buying it but it’s so dang easy to make and once you do it one time, you’ll be inspired to make our own variations for every drink! It really makes the flavor special. 

Enjoy!!

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. gin

1 oz. basil simple syrup

½ lime

⅓ lemon

2-3 fresh basil leaves (+a few to garnish)

sparkling water/club soda 

For the basil simple syrup –

1 cup white granulated sugar

½ cup water

½ cup fresh basil leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

• Start by making the simple syrup so it can cool – bring the sugar, water, and basil to a simmer in a small sauce pan, stirring occasionally. Once sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and let cool.
• In a mixing glass, muddle fresh basil with simple syrup. 
• Add lime juice, lemon juice, and gin. 
• Shake vigorously with ice. 
• Pour in a glass over ice and top the glass with sparkling water or club soda. 
• Garnish with more basil and enjoy!