There is no real story here, other than summer is coming and it’s definitely time for some beautifully flavored cocktails. More than anything, you’ll find I love baking with alcohol: wine, rum, brandy (esp. Croatian Sljivovica), liqueurs like Amaretto, Grand Mariner, whiskey, Guinness. The list is endless.
My dear Turk told me about this delicious and refreshing Strawberry Basil cocktail made with vodka and Elderflower Liqueur, which was served to him after hours when he worked at Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain.
At any rate, it was like dancing on the winds of a rainy-and-sunny-at-the-same-time British garden and wonderful for an afternoon outside or inside as the case indeed was…plus muddling is very therapeutic.
Strawberry Basil Cocktail
Mimi
A fresh vodka cocktail with Elderflower liqueur, muddled strawberry, and basil.
Mortar & Pestle or back of a spoon & bowl; shaker (optional)
Ingredients
2oz Vodka
2oz Elderflower liqueur
4Strawberries, ends removed and halved, plus additional for garnish
Approx.8Basil leaves, plus additional for garnish
Juice of1Lemon
Splash of seltzer if desired (I like a little bubble to my fruity cocktails)
Instructions
Muddle the strawberries and basil until it becomes a mash, along with the lemon juice.
In a shaker, add ice, the muddled fruit/basil, the Elderflower liquor and vodka, making adjustments to taste.
Shake away!
Serve (the mash should be included for extra flavor) with additional strawberry basil garnish. Float some seltzer on top if desired.
Notes
You want to include the lemon juice when muddling the strawberry and basil, since it helps break down the fruit.
If you don’t have a mortar and pestle to muddle, you can muddle in the shaker or in any deep bowl with the back of a large spoon. You can also shake the drink using two tall glasses if you don’t have a shaker (I lost mine in a move, and shook the drink in a Nutribullet!)
You can adjust the vodka and Elderflower liquer to your taste (the Elderflower can be a strong flavor so don’t overdo it).
