La Lemon Basiltini

Time for another great cocktail. This one is a Creative Dish exclusive. We’ve created a new refreshing martini. The bright, bold, fresh flavors will especially appeal to those who like tart drinks with just a bit of sweetness. Think, margarita, caipirinha, gin and tonics and so forth. While the ingredient combination may be new, the flavors blend perfectly. A great drink for a happy hour at home and impressive enough for your next party.

La Lemon Basiltini, a refreshing martini

For 1 large or 2 small martini glasses

Ingredients

• 1/2 Lemon
• Light Agave Nectar
• Fresh Basil
• Premium Vodka
• Ice Cubes
• Hot Water (almost to boiling point)

Tools

• Knife
• Juicer (hand or electric)
• Cocktail Shaker preferably with a strainer (or use 2 plastic cups, one slightly small so that the top rim fits about 1/2″ inside the other)

Directions

1. First make a quick infused syrup of 3 tablespoons agave nectar, 2 large basil leaves and just enough hot water to help dilute the mixture. Total amount of liquid should be about 1/4 cup. (For a party, make this x4 – about 1 cup of syrup). Let the mixture sit for about 1 hour. The syrup can be made in advance. 
2. Fill a cocktail shaker 1/2 way with ice cubes. Juice 1/2 of a lemon. If your cocktail shaker has a strainer, you can juice the lemon right into the shaker. If not, juice into a cup making sure to remove any seeds and then pour into the cocktail shaker.
3. Add syrup mixture. (If you do not have a strainer, remove the basil first.)
4. Add 2 oz of vodka.
5. Shake vigorously.
6. Carefully pour the martini into the glass.

Optional: Make a lemon twist

1. Cut a long strip in the rind of the lemon (rind only).
2. Cut another long strip next to the first and peel off the strip of rind.
3. Run the strip over the edge of the martini glass. Twist the rind in opposite directions.
4. Add the twist to the rim of the glass.

For other great cocktail recipes try our Classic Caipirinha or Mango Caipirinha.

My Creative Dish