Ginger Gin Basil Cocktail

Perfect summer sips: ginger-gin-lemon-basil cocktail

I found this recipe a little over a year ago and have been using it (with a slight variation) for every party that we host. Normally the recipe calls for honey, but I found this delicious jar of ginger syrup–made by the same people who make those awesome little ginger candies, The Ginger People. I couldn’t pass this up! The ginger adds an amazing flavor to this drink. So perfect for summer drinking. Here’s what you’ll need:

Gin-I prefer Hendricks, you’ll need 1.5-2 oz. per drink
The Ginger People Ginger Syrup
Soda Water
1 Lemon
4-5 leaves of fresh basil
Cocktail Muddler

Justin just planted an array of veggies, fruit, peppers, basil and thyme on the side of our house. Look at this beautiful basil plant!

Cut off the little nubs on the ends of the lemon, then cut it lengthwise, then lengthwise again. This makes it easier to squeeze juice out of the fruit. Be sure you de-seed before juicing!

I used 1 tablespoon of ginger syrup. Obviously add more or less depending on your sweet tooth, but I felt 1 tablespoon was just enough to make it slightly sweet:)

Muddle the syrup, basil and lemon juice, then add the gin and muddle again.

Fill with ice and add soda water.

Voila! Garnish with fruit or other flair. I found these adorable straws and jelly jar mugs at Sur La Table, one of my favorite kitchen supply stores. This weekend I’ll be making an entire 3 gallon carafe of this drink for Justin’s birthday party, it’s always a hit! No one has to make their own drinks which means less mess, and no one has to play designated bartender (which normally ends up being me). It’s tricky to judge large quantities of cocktails…recipes to come in a future post!