BASIL GIMLET

Yield: Makes 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large bunch basil, coarsely chopped
• Ice
• 6 tablespoons gin
• 4 tablespoons lime juice
• undBasil sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Make basil syrup: In a large microwave-safe measuring cup, combine sugar, 3/4 cup water, and basil.

2. Microwave on high until sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Let basil steep in syrup 20 to 30 minutes, then strain (you'll have enough syrup for 4 drinks).

4. Fill 2 highball glasses with ice. Into each glass, pour 3 tbsp. gin, 4 tbsp. basil syrup, and 2 tbsp. lime juice. Stir and serve, garnished with basil sprigs.

Time: 5 minutes, plus 20 minutes to steep. Move over, mint: Basil's spicy flavor puts a fresh spin on the traditional gimlet. Make the syrup before guests arrive—it keeps up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Tip: Add lemon juice and chilled water to the leftover syrup and serve over ice for basil lemonade.

recipe via sunset