Basilcello

Directions

1. Pour vodka into a sealable, sterilized jar, and set aside. Use a jar with a seal that doesn't have metal in the lining. (If the only jar you have has a metal lining, then have a large piece of parchment paper handy to place between the jar and the seal.)
2. Boil water in a pot over high heat. Set up an ice cold water bath - a bowl filled with ice and cold water - close to the stove.
3. Clean basil leaves with a damp paper towel, paying attention to the underside of the leaves where dirt may hide.
4. Blanch the basil leaves by placing leaves in the boiling water for 1 minute. Transfer leaves to the ice cold water bath for 1 minute. Drain leaves in a tight mesh strainer, gently squeezing to remove extra water.
5. Place the leaves into the jar of vodka. Cover and let sit in a cool, dark place for 1 week, shaking every other day.
6. After a week, the infusion should take on an olive green hue. Drain the vodka and discard the basil leaves.
7. Make a quick simple syrup of the sugar and 1/2 cup of water -- boiling until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool.
8. Add the simple syrup to the basil infused vodka. Your Basil-cello is ready to drink immediately but tastes better after a little more time in a cool, dark place and served ice cold.