Great basil is like a great tomato – its flavor really suffers when it’s grown in a greenhouse out of season and shipped across the country. So I always look forward to the first big basil harvest of the summer.
Of course basil is great in everything from pesto to stir fries to salads, but I find it extra refreshing in a cocktail on a steamy July afternoon.
There are dozens of varieties of basil, each with a different flavor profile, allowing you to mix and match different types of basil with your favorite drink recipes. For instance, this Lillet-Basil cocktail uses cinnamon basil for an interesting twist.
One of my favorite cocktails of the moment is the Produce Stand, a garden version of the classic Bloody Mary featuring basil, cherry tomatoes, hot sauce, and cachaça, a Brazilian liquor made from fermented sugar cane.
Also check out Bar None drinks for over 20 basil cocktails.
Do you have a favorite drink recipe using basil? Share it here as a comment!
Top image courtesy of amandabhslater via a Creative Commons license. Bottom image courtesy Frenkieb of via a Creative Commons license.
[...] Since I’m living in the woods right now, I only had enough sun for an herb garden this past summer. I was particularly happy with the exotic varieties of basil that I grew. Thai basil and cinnamon basil turned out to be just perfect for summer cocktails. [...]
[...] You guys! My seaside dreams are coming true as we speak! I’m at the beach, reading my book, and probably sipping a basil-related cocktail. [...]
[...] Here are some of my favorite pasta and summer vegetable combinations: 1. Spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce and basil [...]
A girlfriend made us pomegranite mojitos with basil instead of mint:
Muddle a shot of rum with some simple syrup and chopped basil, top with ice, seltzer, and pomegranite juice. These are dangerous!