Happy in a Snap: Friday Cocktails

It's time to bring back Friday Cocktails here at C&S. The weather is finally warm enough to sit outside and enjoy the spring breeze and blooms before they float away. This is from my 24x24 party and is a unique twist on a classic cocktail. It is a basil vodka gimlet. Simple syrup is infused with fresh basil leaves and lime zest. Once cool, you can mix it with ice cold vodka and fresh lime juice. Serve up, or my preferred method is on the rocks, so it stays as cold as possible.

This is my kind of drink, not too sweet, and perfectly light and refreshing. The marriage of bright basil and tart lime with a neutral liquor like vodka is splendid. This is the kind of drink that gets one downright excited for the long summer nights ahead.

Basil Vodka Gimlets (inspired by Mas Tapas)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water

1 large bunch basil (about a cup)
1 ounce vodka
Zest of a lime

Lime Juice
Ice
Lime wedge, or basil leaves to garnish

Heat the sugar and water over medium high heat in a small saucepan until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add the basil and lime zest to the sugar mixture and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain the syrup, and let cool completely.
In a shaker, pour two ounces of the sugar syrup with the vodka and ice. Shake well. Pour into a martini glass or over ice. Squeeze half a lime over the drink. Stir. Garnish with a basil leaf or lime wedge.