Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Elderflower Basil Martini

     

    After much deliberation for this month's cocktail, I finally settled on an Elderflower Martini.  Here at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast we happen to be big fans of all things Elderflower.  This French liqueur is smooth, and perfect to add a little elegance with a hit of floral to your cocktail.

A relatively new liqueur on the market, Elderflower has gained in popularity since hitting the bar top in 2001.  The flowers are handpicked in the early Spring and smashed within 24 hours of picking to contain their fragrance.  The Elderflower has a long history of folklore in protection and healing. 

The Elderflower Martini is simple and easy to make.  With the added herb of basil this drink is perfect for late Spring where the nights are still cool and the days warm.  Here is what you need to make your drink.

Cucumber Basil Elderflower Martini

1 ounce Elderflower Liqueur

2 ounces Vodka

½ cup chopped cucumber

½ ounce fresh squeezed lime juice

6 basil leaves

Muddle your basil and cucumber in the bottom of your shaker cup, until the flavors are well blended.  Add in the Elderflower, vodka and lime juice.  Add in Ice, then shake vigorously until the outside of the container is chilled.  Strain into a Martini glass.  Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and basil leaf.

        The glimpse of summer really comes out in this drink, with the cucumber and basil, muddled in the bottom of the shaker cup.  The more you press those flavors together the stronger the taste.  What a great way to welcome the changing seasons and enjoy a refreshing beverage while soaking in the cooler temps on the back deck at the Oaks.  

As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Lemon Basil Martini

 

    Summer is still in full swing, and the herb garden is still producing wonderfully, fragrant and tasty herbs for all our guests to enjoy.  Our ultimate favorite summer herb is basil, so we had to feature it one more time in a cocktail before we pulled them out to wait for the next year's growth.  Let me tell you, the basil in this month's drink packs a punch and really shines.

    We typically plant three or four varieties of basil each year.  Two of our favorites that we use regularly are purple basil and the traditional sweet basil.  These two are the varietals we are featuring is this month's cocktail.  You will notice in our images, that the liquid has a pink tint, this is due to the use of purple basil.  The muddling process broke down the leaves which emitted a color when mixed with the liquid ingredients.  The entire process really made the drink stand out.

    The beautiful part of this drink is how easy it is to make and consume.  If you are a fan of vodka this basil martini is for you.

Lemon Basil Martini

6-10 basil leaves

3/4 ounce simple syrup

3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 ounces vodka 

Ice

Rim your martini glass with lemon sugar, before starting your drink.  Muddle the basil leaves at the bottom of a shaker cup.  Add all the liquid and ice.  Shake vigorously until the shaker cup is very cold.  Pour contents into the prepared glass.  Garnish with lemon wedge and fresh basil.  

    The lemon basil martini is so easy to make and even easier to consume.  Take time while you are at the Tipsy Oak Lounge to enjoy this cocktail of the month, with friends. You are sure to enjoy the flavor and mix of this cocktail.

    As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  We hope that you will share with us your versions of this drink or join us to have one.  Cheers from the Oaks bed and breakfast.