You have likely noticed I am a wine lover… a big wine lover! I enjoy everything from learning the history, to educating myself in the production of wine to the complete joy of drinking wine.
Well lo and behold, since being in quarantine I am becoming a little bit of a cocktail lover as well. Its not just the drinking of a cocktail, which of course is fun, it’s in the making and creativity that comes with taking your time with building a drink from a base spirit. I kind of love it!
I have now done quite a few virtual cocktail making classes which has opened up my taste buds and I feel confident enough to play around a little more on my own.
My Saturday evenings which are still pretty much about social distancing start with a single cocktail that I enjoy while thinking about what to do for dinner… takeout from a favorite Chicago restaurant or cook – always a dilemma.
I did a margarita class on Friday evening with my favorite being the watermelon margarita that called for fresh basil so I had lots left over. I decided to use the basil in what turned out to be citrusy, herby gin-tastic cocktail. I love fresh basil!!
Grapefruit-Basil Gin Fizz Cocktail
5 basil leaves plus an extra sprig for garnish
1/2 cup fresh squeezed red grapefruit
2 ounces of your favorite gin
2-3 splashes of angostura bitters
As much tonic water as like to top the cocktail
Using a cocktail shaker. Muddle the basil leaves, add ice, grapefruit juice, gin and bitters. Shake well, pour into glass through a strainer. Top with tonic water and garnish with parsley. Simple and fantastic!
