Basil-Vodka Gimlet
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Author Notes: I am for the most part a wine and beer guy, but every now and again I reach for something a bit stiffer. In the cold months that would be a bourbon, and in the summer, this drink. I first had a basil gimlet (with gin) at a restaurant years ago, and even though I'm not a gin drinker, fell in love with the thing and vowed to come up with a vodka version ASAP. This concoction is the result of that effort launched so many years ago, and is a perfect poolside sip. - Oui, Chef - Oui, Chef
Food52 Review: WHO: Oui, Chef is a father of five, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, and a food blogger.
WHAT: A pitch-perfect blend of basil, lime, and vodka.
HOW: The basil, lime zest, lime juice, and simple syrup all get muddled together, hang out for five minutes, and then get shaken with vodka and ice.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Oui, Chef gets all the ratios just right -- the cocktail has the perfect touch of sweetness, tang, and zip. Drink it while the weather's still warm -- and then in the heart of winter, when you're begging for sunshine. - Food52
Serves 2
- 6 large, fresh basil leaves, torn into strips
- Finely grated zest of 1/2 a lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 1/2 ounces vodka
- Put the basil strips, lime zest, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Crush the leaves and the juices with a muddler and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the liquid to infuse with the basil flavor.
- Add the vodka, then fill the shaker 2/3 full with ice. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain the elixir into 2 chilled martini glasses, top each with a small sprig of basil and enjoy!
- Rinse and repeat!
- This recipe is a Wildcard Contest Winner!
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Poolside Cocktail
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about 1 month ago Mickey Kelly
Use Hanger One basil-infused vodka and add a dash of Domaine de Canton for an Emperor and I.
about 1 month ago fayeballs
Ive never seen that vodka before, sounds good.
about 1 month ago Keith Whelan
This is a great recipe, but it only makes ONE serving. Not two.
about 1 month ago Oui, Chef
Thanks....guess I need to get me some larger martini glasses ;-)
7 months ago EatArt
Yummy! Only suggestion is to reduce sugar syrup by 1/2 so it's more tart. Salut!
about 1 month ago fayeballs
good call!
8 months ago fxjude
We normally drink wine, wine and more wine, but this sounded so tantalizing I had to try it. I used some mint simple syrup left over from making melon sorbet, but otherwise made it as written....though admittedly I did double the volume. Since when is a 3oz drink enough for two on a hot Sunday afternoon? Especially one as superb as this!
8 months ago Foodiewithalife
Sounds lovely. It's only 9:30am, is it too early to break out the martini shaker?
8 months ago Euro Kat
I love, love, love this. My husband is a vodka drinker, I prefer gin. My question is if this translates well to gin using the same ingredients and proportions, or do I need to futz with the recipe?
8 months ago Panfusine
Made this yesterday with a bit of fresh ginger thrown in. it was awesome!
8 months ago gingerroot
Congrats on the wildcard win, Oui, Chef! I know what I'll be enjoying this weekend...
8 months ago Oui, Chef
Thanks all for your kind words....only wish I had a pool to sip one by. Cheers - S
8 months ago fiveandspice
Emily is a trusted source on Scandinavian Cuisine.
Congrats on the wildcard Steve! This looks so refreshing!
8 months ago Oui, Chef
Thanks fiveandspice....yeah, refreshing in a dangerous kind of way.
8 months ago Kitchen Butterfly
Congratulations Steve......I have basil in my garden, vodka on the counter......I just might be reaching for some. Gorgeous
8 months ago Oui, Chef
HA...you know you want to Ozoz!
8 months ago Panfusine
Sounds Awesome, HAVE to try this!
have to make this before the basil plant outside withers!
8 months ago Oui, Chef
It's never too late for one last sip of summer.
8 months ago Lizthechef
Congrats on a beautiful summer cocktail!
almost 2 years ago Helen's All Night Diner
Looking forward to trying this. Congratulations on the EP!
almost 2 years ago wssmom
I was mulling something like this, but your version is PERFECT!!!
almost 2 years ago Oui, Chef
Thanks wssmom! I could actually go for one of these now...if only I had a pool. - S