The Vagabond restaurant in South Park is all the rage here in San Diego. I haven't been to it yet, but I plan to go very soon. What I keep hearing from my friends that have eaten there is not only that they have great food, but they also serve spectacular cocktails. One of their signature cocktails is a basil martini. Yes, I know...I cringed a little when I heard about it, too, but surprisingly it is a very refreshing and smooth cocktail. Try to use good vodka, such a Grey Goose or Absolut. YUM! TGIF!!!!
INGREDIENTS (makes 1 martini)
- 2 Oz Vodka
- 1 Dash of Dry Vermouth
- 4-5 Fresh Basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and lightly muddle the basil leaves with the back of a spoon. Let mixture set for 30-60 seconds. Add ice cubes and shake. Strain and serve. Garnish with a basil leaf.
You can use simple syrup in various cocktail recipes such as mojitos, sweet martinis, and even in non-alcoholic drinks such as iced coffee. The recipe is super simple, and you can keep it in your fridge for months at a time.
- Put one cup of water in a small saucepan.
- Add two cups of sugar.
- Heat to a boil while stirring.
- Reduce heat and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Find a clean container that will hold at least a cup and a half.
- Using a funnel, pour liquid into container.
- Seal and store in refrigerator indefinitely.
- Use whenever a recipe calls for simple sugar or simple syrup.
6 comments:
Ohhh. I had a fantastic lemon basil martini when I visited Gracie in Seattle. Soooo yummy! This post reminded me that I wanted to try making one. :)
I make a THAI basil martini...always keep some vodka in the freezer with thai basil leaves already in it...so it is thoroughly infused anytime I need it. If i want it a tad sweeter, or I don't have good quality vodka, I use a *tiny* bit of limeade concentrate.. YUM!!
You can sweeten your drink by muddling some fresh pineapple.
Very good and do salt your rim--Yummy
Instead of simple syrup, you could also use agave nectar--it's much like honey, but more natural and it's usually organic. Dissolves even in cold water.
Instead of simple syrup, you could also use agave nectar--it's much like honey, but more natural and it's usually organic. Dissolves even in cold water.
So it was that simple? These creations will go well on the recipes I found at www.gourmandia.com.. Thanks for sharing this! :)
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