Zodiac Cocktails - Cancer: Lavender Basil Gin & Tonic
This Lavender Basil Gin & Tonic is the perfect summertime sipper that represents nurturing, down to earth, "mothering" Cancers in my Zodiac Cocktail Series! Even if you think you don't like gin, you have to try this refreshing and light sparkling sip!
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce lavender basil syrup recipe follows
- Tonic or club soda for topping
- Extra basil and lavender for garnish optional but recommended
- LAVENDER BASIL SYRUP:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lavender flower buds
- 1 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- First, make your syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the water, sugar, and lavender to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for one minute. Remove the pot off the heat and immediately add in the basil. Cover and steep the mixture for 30 minutes. Strain out the basil and lavender and save the liquid - this is your lavender basil simple syrup. Discard basil and lavender.
- In a cocktail shaker, add in the gin, lemon juice, and lavender basil syrup. Add ice to fill the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until cold to the touch. Strain into a glass with fresh ice and top with tonic water. Garnish with basil leaves and lavender flowers if desired.