Fresh Basil Martini
Gather these few, simple ingredients and mix this refreshing Basil Martini all summer long! Image: iStock
This summer, the cooler-than-normal, wetter-than-EVER weather allowed us to grow a bumper crop of basil in our garden. Weβve enjoyed divine Caprese salads and Margherita pizzas. Weβve blended homemade pesto and dried basil leaves for storage in spice jars. But, itβs this fresh basil martini that has us singing βO Sole MioβΒ as we linger longer on the porch. This is a simple recipe created by our friend, Chef Jason Barker (formerly of Houstonβs Atlanta and now the Culinary Manager of Houstonβs Metairie). Gather these few ingredients and mix this magical concoction yourself:
Fresh Basil
If you didnβt plant any basil this year, donβt stress! Those little potted plants are still available at garden centers and grocery stores. You could even pick up a small bundle of fresh basil in the produce section. Youβll need about eight to 10 good leaves, torn before you drop them in the shaker.
Gin or Vodka?
Chef Jason leans toward Bombay or Tanqueray Gin, feeling that Hendricks or Plymouth may be too subtle for this recipe. However, weβre vodka people. There seems to be, among discriminating mixologists, great debate as to which makes the most authentic martini. We do not usually debate too fiercely until after several martinis have been consumed, by which time we are no longer discriminating. So, three ounces of whatever you have works.
Simple Syrup
In case you didnβt already know, thatβs two parts sugar to one part water. Bring the water to a boil, then dissolve the sugar into it, stirring constantly. Once the sugar has dissolved thoroughly, remove from the heat (over-boiling thickens the mixture). Cool completely then bottle for use. (For this recipe, use 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.)
*In a pinch, make no-cook βbar syrupβ: 1 part sugar to 1 part water shaken until sugar dissolves. This is much thinner than the traditional version.
Lime
Add the juice of one-half lime. Donβt use the bottled stuff. Β Fresh basil, good liquor, real lime. Capisce?
Shaken, Not Stirred β¦
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and then add the martini ingredients to it. Shake this, vigorously, for at least 30 seconds before straining into a chilled martini glass. The extra shaking time breaks up the basil leaves and gives the drink a beautiful color.
Fresh Basil Martini
IngredientsΒ Β
- 3 oz. Gin or Vodka
- 1/2 Lime
- 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup or to taste
- 8-10 Fresh Basil Leaves torn
InstructionsΒ
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine each of the ingredients.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds before straining into a chilled martini glass. (Don't skimp on the shaking time -- those extra seconds break up the basil leaves and give the drink a wonderful green color.)
Nutrition
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Cheers!
