Since yesterday’s post was all about pesto, I thought it fitting that today’s cocktail contain basil as well. Hence I made a basil gimlet. Traditional gimlets are made of gin, lime and simple syrup, shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass. They’re similar to classic gin martinis, but with lime juice instead of vermouth and a splash of sweetener. In my twist on a traditional gimlet, I added basil and substituted agave nectar for simple syrup. The basil gimlet is very similar to my first summer cocktail, the beautiful red bell, but contains more lime juice and basil in place of the red bell pepper. Both are delightful, but I do think the red bell pepper adds a special sweet flavor and a pretty color. While basil and red pepper are in season, why not give them both a try?
More Fresh Gin Cocktails to Enjoy
The Beautiful Red Bell The Bee’s Knees Cucumber Mint Gimlet French 75 Tom Collins
As summer turns to fall, my summer cocktail series must come to an end. Today certainly feels like one of the first days of fall; I’m huddled under a blanket next to Cookie, listening to cars run through puddles outside, and icy cold, fruity drinks don’t sound quite so appealing. I think today’s gimlet, my tenth summer cocktail, will be the last of the series. I have several ideas for fall-themed cocktails that I’ll share as the weather gets cooler! What is your cold weather drink of choice?
