BASIL FIG VODKA SMASH WITH HONEY

I have a lot of personal favorite flavor combinations, but there isn’t a combination quite like basil and figs. It’s sweet and earthy, and exciting because it’s also kind of unexpected. So when fig season arrives, I eat (and drink) fresh basil leaves with them whenever I can. This basil fig vodka smash is a flavorful, fun and super easy summer cocktail.

I grow this beautiful, richly deep purple, opal basil in my garden. I remember the first time I saw it, and I knew I needed to grow it. Its regal, shiny, deep purple leaves make this variety a total stunner. Opal basil has a naturally sweet flavor and aroma which makes it the perfect variety for cocktails and desserts. It adorns beautiful pink and lilac blossom that pollinators adore.

If you don’t grow opal basil, you may be able to source it at a local farmers’ market in the summer months. But if not, don’t worry because you can use any (green) basil variety instead. While every basil variety tastes slightly different, they’re all also similar enough to substitute for each other freely.

How to make a vodka smash.

Making this summer cocktail is super easy. First muddle together the basil, fig and honey. And then you add in the vodka and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes as it infuses together. Lastly you strain the mixture, pour it into a glass (with or without ice) and top with sparkling water, and enjoy responsibly. 

Yield: 4 cocktails

Basil Fig Vodka Smash with Honey

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There isn't a combination quite like basil and figs. This basil fig vodka smash is a flavorful, fun and super easy summer cocktail.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup basil leaves (see notes)
• 1 cup fresh figs, diced small
• 1 tablespoon honey (or preferred sweetener)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 4 ounces vodka
• sparkling water
• ice

Instructions

1. In a glass jar or cocktail pitcher, muddle together the basil, fig, honey and salt until the figs are broken down and in a smooth, jam-like consistency.
2. Then add in vodka and stir to combine well. Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve by pressing the pulp to extract all the liquid. When you are done, discard the pulp.
3. To assemble the drinks, divide the mixture into four glasses with ice and top with sparkling water. Stir, garnish with more fresh basil and enjoy responsibly.

Notes

I used opal (purple) basil because that's what I grow in my garden, but any variety of (green) basil works.

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• fine sea salt
• 
  fine mesh sieve
• 
  Tebery 15oz Cocktail Mixing Glass Clear - Diamond Cut Pattern