Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Lemon Basil Elderflower Sake Cocktail

    

     For our Asian themed dinner I wanted a cocktail that had a unique flavor and taste from the area. Sake was my first choice to mix with others to make a cocktail our guests would enjoy. The addition of the Elderflower liquor and Brut Champagne brought it all together. 

     Of course, to add in our herb choice, I went with Lemon Basil to add in a bit more lemon flavor. The real star of this drink just might be the pomegranate juice. The juice gives the drink a distinct pink color with a little extra tart. 

     While there are a lot of liquids that go into this drink, the portions we have for mixing today make two. Grab your sweet heart and make up something to celebrate. You will want to mix this one up, and love it. 

 Lemon Basil Elderflower Sake Cocktail 

Serves 2

 

6-10 Lemon Basil leaves 

2 ounces Sake 

1 ounce Elderflower liquor 

1 ounce pomegranate juice 

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 

Brut Champagne 

 Muddle your lemon basil in your shaker cup before adding the liquid. This will help to release the flavors. Once muddled add all the liquid except champagne. Give it a good shake, pour into champagne flutes about 3/4 full. Top with champagne and garnish with lemon or basil. 

 If you are looking for a little sweeter version of this drink, then you could top off with a Prosecco or Moscato. Overall, it is pretty dry but still refreshing. By using a champagne flute you have a more measured drink. As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Spicy Grapefruit Margarita

 

Over here at The Oaks bed and breakfast, we love a good margarita, and often the spicier the better.  This month we are bringing to your bar, a Spicy Grapefruit Margarita that is paired with a jalapeno and lemon basil. 

 

               We kicked up the spice a bit by zesting the jalapeno to create more kick with this summer special, and the garnish with the lemon basil just adds a little kick of citrus to an already delicious drink.  Another key component to this drink is to use only fresh squeezed juice.  Juice that grapefruit and lime directly into your shaker cup, when mixing this delightful drink. 

 

               Of course, you can dial up your sweetness and spice by adding more honey or jalapeno or less.  Make this drink your own and enjoy it with friends.  You can even make it a mocktail by removing the tequila and orange liquor.  I would splash in some nonalcoholic  orange bitters to grab that flavor and an additional amount of grapefruit juice to help fill the glass. 

 

Spicey Grapefruit Margarita

Serving size 2 drinks 

½ cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

3 TBLS fresh squeezed lime juice

2 TBLS agave or honey

3 oz white tequila

2 oz orange liquor

Salt to rim the glass

Lemon basil for garnish

 

Before you mix your drink prepare your glass.  Rub a lime wedge or grapefruit wedge around the glass and then salt with your favorite option.  Take all your liquid ingredients and pour into a shaker cup that has been filled with ice.  Vigorously shake your drink to mix together.  Then pour it over your salted, ice filled glass.  Garnish with grapefruit, lemon basil, lime or jalapeno slices.

 

               Make this drink your own and mix it up with different bases to find the one you like the best.  Increase the sweetness as you desire or decrease to make your drink more tart.  Mix in additional jalapeno for extra spice or remove it to eliminate all spice.  Either way, this drink will be a summer favorite for sure.

 

               As always please drink responsibly by having a designated driver.  We hope you will let us know if you make this cocktail and tell us which you like it the best.  Cheers!