Summer is the time of year when we lighten things up. We relax and make time for more leisurely activities, we wear lighter weight clothing, and we lighten up on the foods we eat. That includes what we drink for Happy Hour on Fridays. In the colder months of the year, our Friday night cocktail is usually some flavor of chocolate martini. For the Summer, we switch to mojitos (Blueberry Mojito, St. Germain Mojito, Peach Mojito, Lime & Mint Mojito) or spiked lemonade for our Friday night cocktail with pizza.
This Summer, Eric challenged me to come up with a summery martini cocktail. So I did. Our Summer of 2018 martini is a citrus & herb concoction. There’s just a bit of simple syrup in it. It’s truly refreshing during the heat & humidity this Summer is bestowing on most of the country!
Grapefruit & Basil Martini
Grapefruit & Basil Martini (adapted from punchdrink.com) Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces grapefruit juice
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 12 basil leaves, divided
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, lightly muddle 10 of the basil leaves with the simple syrup.
Add the vodka and grapefruit juice to the shaker and fill it with ice.
Grapefruit juice, vodka & a touch of simple syrup, shaken, not stirred!
Shake the cocktail until it is chilled.
Strain the drink into a chilled martini or cocktail glass.
Garnish each drink with a basil leaf.
Light & refreshing for Summer!
Even our drinks are lightened up for the summer! ~Linda
Grapefruit & Basil Martini (adapted from punchdrink.com) Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces grapefruit juice
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 12 basil leaves, divided
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, lightly muddle 10 of the basil leaves with the simple syrup.
Add the vodka and grapefruit juice to the shaker and fill it with ice.
Shake the cocktail until it is chilled.
Strain the drink into a chilled martini or cocktail glass.
Garnish each drink with a basil leaf.