Strawberry-Basil Martini
From Nerds With Knives
Ingredients
For the strawberry simple syrup (makes about 2 cups syrup):
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups strawberries hulled and sliced (about 1 quart)
For 1 cocktail:
- 4 large basil leaves plus one leaf for garnish, if desired
- 2 ounces gin or vodka (recommended; Hendricks or Bulldog)
- 1 ounce Lillet Blanc
- 1/2 ounce elderflower liquor
- 1 ounce strawberry simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
Instructions
For the strawberry syrup:
In a medium saucepan, add water, sugar and strawberries. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves, about 2 to 3 minutes. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, occasionally skimming off any foam that forms on the surface. Pour liquid through a fine mesh strainer set over a heat-proof bowl and allow liquid to drain on it’s own. Don’t press down or the syrup will be cloudy. Cool to room temperature and transfer to a clean glass jar. Chill until ready to use.
For the cocktail:
Add basil leaves to a shaker and gently bash a few times with a muddler or the bottom of a wooden spoon. Fill shaker with ice and add all the other ingredients. Shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds. Double strain into a chilled martini glass, float a basil leaf on top and serve.
About Nerds with Knives
Matt and Emily Clifton live in Beacon and have been writing their recipe and food photography blog Nerds with Knives since 2013. They take local, seasonal ingredients and turn them into something delicious that anyone can make, regardless of skill level. They love discovering new ways to think about and explore food and culinary methods. Most importantly, they love feeding their friends, and writing about it. They’ve written for Serious Eats and Valley Table and have written two cookbooks: Cork and Knife, and The Ultimate Dutch Oven Cookbook.