Mixology: Basil Gin Lemonade

With Memorial Day just around the corner, we’re rolling up our sleeves with a completed outdoor space and grill to celebrate. There’s something about the classic days of summer and to keep your grill classic and inspired,  I’ve collaborated with 50 other recipe bloggers from around the country to give you the best virtual cookout we can think of. When I think of summer in the South, I think of light nights, walks around the pond, and refreshing pitchers of lemonade, to bring a bit of relief to the thick humidity. This adult version, adds the crisp bite of gin and a kick of basil.

Keep reading for the full recipe and paired music for this drink!

Basil Gin Lemonade

Serves: One cocktail

Ingredients:

• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1 C water
• 4 sprigs of fresh basil
• 3 oz gin
• sparkling water
• rounds of lemon and basil for garnish
• 4-5 large ice cubes

Directions:

Using a juicer, juice lemons. Pour into a highball glass and set to the side. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Over high heat, let sugar dissolve and stir. Once sugar is dissolved, add sprigs of basil and let steep for 10 minutes. Once cool, add 2 T to cocktail. Stir in lemon juice. Add ice. Using jigger, measure out gin. (If you want to make it extra cold, add everything from the glass to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 1 minute.) Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a few rounds of fresh lemon. Add a straw and enjoy!

Cheers to a long and wonderful summer!

Appetizers

Korean BBQ Tofu Sliders with Kimchi Slaw by Hello Little Home
Corn, Black Bean, and Feta Dip by Lizzy is Dizzy
Crab, Bacon & Guacamole Crostinis by That Square Plate

Cocktails and Drinks

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Entrées

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Side Dishes

Caprese Pasta Salad by Club Narwhal
Cranberry Almond Broccoli Salad by Two Sisters Kitchens
Coconut Milk Mac & Cheese by A Little Gathering
Cherry Quinoa Salad by Food Lovin Family
Cheddar, Corn and Bacon Potato Salad by Family Food on the Table
Lemon Rocket Pasta Salad by Lauren Caris Cooks
Green Goddess Potato Salad by Love & Flour
Red White & Blue Watergate Salad by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen
Zesty Potato Skewers by Pamela Salzman
Quinoa Tabouli by A Fork’s Tale

Desserts

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Berry Mango Smoothie Pops by HÄLSA Nutrition
Mixed Berry Vanilla Bean Cake by Cake ‘n Knife
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Coconut Blueberry & Vodka Ice Pops by Nik Snacks
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Cherry & Rhubarb Tart by Crepes of Wrath