Sweet Basil Gimlets

I've been posting a lot of drinks lately, and I think rightly so! When the summer heat is oh so sweltering, that's when my mind is focused on only one thing: how to cool down and quench my thirst.

I happen to think these sweet basil gimlets are perfect after a long day. They are the perfect mix of sweet and tart but have this unexpected 'herbiness' that comes from the basil. The basil in them also makes them that much more refreshing. Mmmm.

Sit back, relax, and sip on this!
Sweet Basil Gimlets

Yields: 1 serving

Original recipe here.

2 oz. gin

1/2 oz. lime juice

1/4 to 1/2 oz. simple syrup (or to taste)

2 basil leaves, thinly sliced or torn

lime wedge, for garnish

In a glass, combine the gin, lime juice and simple syrup. Tear or add in the sliced basil and mix well. You can add more lime or simple syrup to your preference. Garnish with a lime wedge or some fresh basil leaves. Add some ice and enjoy!

Bruschetta

I had a picnic the other day and I was having such a struggle thinking of foods to bring that were portable, delicious, and easily transportable. I came up with a few ideas and this was one of them. As a child, I hated a lot of things: garlic, onions, tomatoes, bean sprouts, carrots, etc. Now that I'm grown, I've also grown to love many of these things. Oh what age brings!

Anyways, tomatoes are now one of my loves! Juicy, sweet and tangy; in other words a perfect vegetable. The best way to enjoy them? Simply. My favorite kind of bruschetta is one that is simple and highlights the tomato. This is one of those and it's absolutely perfect. Make this immediately and fall in love with tomatoes. I'm head over heels for them!
Simple & Delicious Bruschetta

Yields: 4 - 6 servings

Printable Recipe

2 packages of cherry tomatoes, sliced

1 bunch of basil leaves, chiffonaded

2 tbsn. olive oil

1 - 2 large cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper, to taste

Mix everything together, adding more salt and pepper to taste. You can eat it right away, but I prefer to let everything sit and marinade in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Serve on top of crispy crostini or toasted, sliced baguettes. Enjoy!

Basil Limeades/ Soda Chanh

This recipe is a twist on the traditional Vietnamese drink called Soda Chanh, which is essentially a carbonated lime-ade. At the restaurant I work at, they add some torn basil leaves on request and it's really delicious.

Don't be thrown off for a loop! I was kind of shocked about the idea too... basil in my lemonade?! Sounds kinda weird to me, but I was intrigued, took a sip and what do you know? I actually liked it, I really, really liked it! I think you guys will like it too! The basil flavor is just a subtle note in the background that adds great depth in flavor. Mint would work well as too, I'll have to try that next time. I love this drink especially in Summer because it's so refreshing but since it's never quite Winter in California, I can enjoy this baby all year round!

Basil Limeades

Yields: about 4 servings

Printable Recipe

For the simple syrup:

1 part water

1 part sugar

1 part simple syrup (1/2 cup)

1 part fresh lime juice (1/2 cup)

5 - 6 parts carbonated water (2 1/2 - 3 cups)

small bunch of basil leaves, torn

To make the simple syrup, combine the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until all of the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and store in a container (simple syrup is essentially a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar, so you can make as much or as little as you want). To make the limeades, mix everything together. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Sweet simplicity at its best: