Citrus Basil Martini

I posted this picture earlier this year, and I wanted to make sure that I got you the recipe.  

They were so yummy!!

I have to admit, when I was infusing the vodka with basil, I thought, this could be a little weird?

I have had a lemon basil martini before at a local restaurant, but I was going to make these with tangerines and lemons.

Turns out, it was FABULOUS!!

I found the recipe for the Meyer- lemon basil martinis on a site called bitesandsights.com what a beautiful page!! Give it a look sometime!

First off you need to infuse some vodka!

basil infused vodka

Basil Infused Vodka

jar

 3-4 dozen fresh basil leaves, rinsed (stems and leaves)

vodka

Place basil leaves in the bottom of the jar, and pour vodka over the top, filling jar about 4/5.

I used a big jar, so I used more basil, and more vodka, I had a party of eight was making cocktails for.

Use a small jelly jar and less vodka and basil if you want to make just a couple.

Place jar in refrigerator for about 6-8 hours.  If left too long, the flavor gets a too overpowering.

When you are ready to use, remove leaves, and strain the vodka into another jar or a bottle.

While your basil is infusing, how about candying some of that citrus to garnish your drinks?

Or just to eat??

candied lemons and clementines

Candied Lemons and Clementines

2 of each - lemons and clementines, sliced about 1/4 inch thick

4 cups of water

4 cups of sugar

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a heavy saucepan.

When it becomes bubbly, reduce the heat to medium and add the fruit slices.

Boil with the fruit slices for about 30 minutes.  The rinds will become slightly translucent looking.

Remove and place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

I dusted mine with sugar after they had cooled some.

Reserve the liquid, you just made your citrus simple syrup!! ;)

I think they are so pretty!!

citrus basil martini

Citrus Basil Martini

4 oz Citrus simple syrup 

1/3 cup fresh citrus juice from lemons and clementines

4 ounces of basil infused vodka

ice

Juice your clementines and lemons, it will take about 1-2 of each depending on size of fruit.

Pour the above over ice in a martini shaker, shake and pour into a martini glass.  Float a candied slice in the glass, and enjoy!!

You can also garnish with a basil leaf if desired.

The fruit not only makes a pretty garnish, it's delicious!