Grapefruit Basil Vodka Spritzer
I'll admit, I've been a bit of a lush lately. But it's not my fault. This spring has been a whirlwind of fun times. Fun times that have often involved my favorite poison. From my girlfriends visiting me, to birthday festivities, to a recent trip to Nashville for my cousin's bachelorette, I've been partaking more than I've been resisting. Whoops.
It's also been delightfully sunny and warm in Southern California lately. Those blue skies and above average temps have me craving two things. Okay, maybe three. Beach, bikes, and (ice-cold) booze. Not just any booze though. You see, I've grown up quite a bit in my drinking day. I don't just drink to...you know, feel loose. I genuinely enjoy the taste of a refreshing cocktail.
Like this cocktail right here. Combining one of my favorite fruits with one of my favorite herbs and my all-time, favorite spirit, the crisp, tangy, and perfectly sweet concoction is great for cooling down in this hot, sticky, summer heat. I won't tell you that it's also great for feeling loose pretty quickly since the basil and grapefruit are pretty great at disguising the vodka. No, I won't tell you that. You know, just in case the in-laws read this post.
Craft it in less than 5 minutes and you'll save yourself the $13 that almost any restaurant would charge you for a craft cocktail. You're welcome.
Grapefruit Basil Vodka Spritzer
Ingredients:
1/2 ruby red grapefruit
1 bunch of basil (about 10 leaves)
2 ounces Vodka
1 tablespoon simple syrup (recipe here)
Club Soda to top (1/2-2/3 cup)
Ice
Directions:
1) Using a heavy pint glass, muddle the basil with the simple syrup. Then, squeeze the juice from 1/2 grapefruit into the glass. Add the vodka and stir. Add ice cubes to a cocktail glass. Strain the grapefruit and vodka mixture into the glass. Add some basil leaves to the glass if desired. Top with club soda. Enjoy!
***Makes one cocktail
