Tag Archives: basil

The Caprese Cocktail

Listen, we were skeptical at first, too. Really skeptical.

caprese_web (1)

But then we remembered how much we love James Beard’s Drunken Cherry Tomatoes*, and just how much basil is in the garden already this season.

And that we can’t really resist cheese. Really fresh, really good mozzarella cheese.

And then we tried it. And loved it. And drank pitchers full of it on Father’s Day with la familia.

Don’t think we have to say much more.

Oh, except that our Square One Basil Vodka – ideal for this drink – is on sale through July 4th. And that you may want to double or triple up on the garnish. We did.

Cent’ anni!

The Caprese Cocktail

2oz Square One Basil Vodka
1/2oz tomato juice
1/2oz lime juice
1/2oz lemon juice
3/4oz agave nectar or simple syrup
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
Garnish: fresh, sweet cherry tomato, small mozzarella ball, salt & basil leaf

Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve with a “Caprese Pick” or two: dredge the tomato and mozzarella ball in coarse salt. Skewer with basil leaf, and serve.

*aka an Adult Crudite: spear a fresh sweet cherry tomato, dip it in good vodka, run it through coarse salt and pop it in your mouth. Also serve it, as Mr. Beard reportedly did, with gin, and perhaps small bowls of other seasonings, such as cumin or hot pepper, ground or flaked.

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Plant Your Cocktails! Herbal Infusions with Southside Community Land Trust

Bottles is pairing up with Southside Community Land Trust to help you create garden-fresh cocktails!

If you’re in the midst of planning this year’s garden, don’t forget to incorporate herbs to infuse your vodka, whiskey, tequila or gin. It’s a great way to add a personalized twist to classic cocktails, like a vodka martini or vodka tonic.

Learn how to infuse your booze here, and keep a look out during the SCLT Annual Plant Sale for the free cocktail recipe cards!

Download & Print Cocktail Recipe Cards >

sclt-basilrecipecard

Make a Batch of Basil Infused Vodka:
– 1/2 750ml bottle of Prairie vodka
– 1 cup lightly packed basil leaves, rinsed and towel dried
Infusing directions >

Thai Basil Vodka Martini
– 2 oz Thai Basil Infused Vodka
– 1 oz Dry Vermouth
– Splash of lime juice
– Lime Wedge

Directions: Pour vodka, vermouth, lime juice over ice in a cocktail shaker, shake and strain into glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

 

sclt-lavenderrecipecard

Make a Batch of Lavender Infused Vodka:
– 1 750ml bottle of Prairie vodkavodka
– 1 tablespoon lavender buds
Infusing directions >

Lavender Vodka Tonic
– 2 oz Lavender Infused Vodka
– 3 oz Tonic
– Splash of lemon juice
– Lemon Wedge for garnish

Directions: Fill half of glass with ice, pour vodka, tonic and lemon juice into glass. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Cheers!
– Joanna