Strawberry Basil Baumers
These cocktails are yummy, summery, and pink!
You can create your own signature cocktail by switching up the liquor, the juice/mixer, and the herb. Make it a snazzy color, give it a silly rhyming name and you’ve got an instant conversation piece.
Serves: Makes 1 pitcher, or about enough specialty drinks for a party of 10
Time: 20 minutes plus cooling time for the simple syrup
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 cups packed basil leaves
4 cups vodka
3 1/4 cups of strawberry nectar
7 lemons (5 for drink mix, 2 for the garnish)To Serve
ice
sparkling water
basil sprigs
lemon wedges for garnish
Make the simple syrup by adding the sugar to the water and bringing to a low boil. Continue to stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the simple syrup into a container and store in the fridge until chilled. You can do this a day or two ahead of time if you’d like.
In a serving pitcher, add the basil and simple syrup and muddle (smoosh the basil around with wooden spoon or other thick round utensil until it releases it’s flavor.) Add the vodka and strawberry nectar to the pitcher.
Cut 2 of the lemons into wheel-shaped slices and add to the pitcher. Squeeze the juice from the remaining 3 lemons into the drink mix.
To serve: Fill a glass full of ice and fill most of the way with the drink mix. Top off with a splash or two of sparking water, a sprig of basil and a slice of lemon. Beauteous and refreshing!
August 9th, 2006 10:51
[…] I love the idea of strawberry and basil as a flavor combination, and Vanessa has created a drink that features both. Her Strawberry Basil Baumers not only sound like a delicious addition to any party, but they’re such a pretty pink that I can only imagine how well they would compliment a little black dress. For a simpler pink cocktail, Vanessa also recommends pink lemonade and rum. (Vanesscipes, Williamsburg, Brooklyn) Alanna, at A Veggie Venture, offers us a lovely virgin beverage in a delicious shade of green. I am completely intrigued by her Cucumber Lemonade and must make some immediately. Who doesn’t have an abundance of cucumbers this time of year? What a perfect way to use them up! (A Veggie Venture, St. Louis, MO) […]
August 9th, 2006 10:54
Thanks, Vanessa; I’ve added your lovely pink cocktail to the mix! Strawberry and basil sounds like a match made in heaven…I can’t wait to try it!