Picture yourself sitting on a deck, you’re with a group of friends, the grill is cooking up some burgers and hotdogs and you’re having an ice cold drink. What are you drinking? Bud? Heineken? Did you picture yourself drinking something fruity? If not, you should have been. Give this drink a chance and see how smooth this sweet and fruity drink can slide right down. Are you a fan of sour? Add a wedge of lime to really make the flavors pop!
The perks of being an adult: Too many to count! One thing that adults can do, at least after a few years into adulthood, is drink…and of course I’m talking about alcohol! Surely anyone can go out and buy something from the store, be it beer, wine or a premixed drink, but what I have in store for you all is something you will definitely want to try! What’s better than fruity sparkling water, strawberries, basil and Raspberry vodka? Nothing in my book, especially since every ingredient is fresh and the drink is made to order.
Looking for something refreshing, sweet, fruity and made to order? Take 5 minutes out of your day to make yourself something like you’ve never had before, and best of all it’s fresh!
Strawberry-Basil Summer Drink
The scene depicted above was not just mentioned for show, but it actually happened. Not even two weeks ago was I in my backyard on the deck making some Beer Battered Fried Pickles Chips when my mother mixed up this drink. She always told me: “Always use fresh ingredients.” I would like to think that this holds true for drinks too. In fact, I know it does because as the drinks were being made I saw fresh basil being picked to put into the drink. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to boost not only your drinks, but your meals too, try growing your own herbs. Not only is it easy to do, but nothing beats fresh from the garden.
Strawberry-Basil Summer Drink
Ingredients
2-3 fresh strawberries
3-4 basil leaves, plus one for garnish
1 tablespoon simple syrup*
2 oz. Raspberry Vodka
Ice cubes
Sparkling water, fruity (I like to use berry flavored water, but you can use plain.)
Sugar
Water
Directions
1. In a rocks glass, muddle** berries, basil and simple syrup.
2. Add vodka
3. Fill glass with ice
4. Top of off with sparkling water
5. Enjoy!!!
*Simple syrup, use in all your summertime drinks (iced tea, iced coffe, etc.): bring equal parts sugar and water to a boil, stirring, cook until clear. About 1 minute. Cool, and refrigerate for about one week.
**muddle, gently crush, use wooden spoon or pick up a muddle at a kitchenware store, press firmly on ingredients and twist your wrist.... Singing optional :)
Posted by Efrain on: 7/20/14