My soul and my taste buds do a dance in the spring because that is when my garden grows. I can harvest fresh herbs and vegetables to cook with and also to create craft cocktails with. I have lavender blossoming and basil sprouting which makes for a delightful combination to pair with gin. For an unbelievably refreshing cocktail try my Lavender Basil Gin Fizz. Note: Using gin in cocktails that use herbs and botanicals is ideal, the gin enhances the flavors for an out of this world treat to sip.
Lavender Basil Gin Fizz
Makes 2 cocktails
4-5 basil leaves, chopped
6-8 lavender sprigs, fresh or dried
3 oz gin (try St. George’s Botanivore Gin an American made gin that is delicious)
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 tsp honey (add more if you like it sweeter)
Club soda
Lavender sprigs
Lemon peel
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker muddle basil and lavender together (squeeze a little lemon juice in if you are having trouble muddling). Muddle until lavender breaks up and mixture begins looking purple/pink. Add ice, gin, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey to cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Pour over ice into 2 tumblers. Add a splash of club soda to each. Stir and garnish with lavender sprigs and lemon peel.