Name: Basil Lemon Smash
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1½ oz Vodka; ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice; ⅓ oz Simple Syrup; 8-10 Fresh Basil leaves; Ice

Happy Friday, y’all! I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve been having fun scheming up different unique and fresh cocktail recipes at home. As the weather warms up, I’ve been craving refreshing drinks that are light and delicious. Enter the Basil Lemon Smash cocktail, made with vodka, it’s refreshing and quick to whip up for that upcoming cocktail hour!

I recently planted a bunch of herbs and a handful of vegetables in our backyard, and it’s been fun to come up with different ways to use everything. I realized I wasn’t using my basil as often as I would like, but love the smell and flavor it offers up. I had my mind totally set on creating food items with basil, and hadn’t even thought about adding it to cocktails.

Honestly, I don’t consider myself some fancy mixologist. I tend to reach for a glass of wine over a cocktail when I’m at home. But if there were ever a time to mix up some fancy drinks for happy hour, I think that time is now.

You could certainly use a variety of liquors for this cocktail, but I’m more of a vodka gal. I personally love Texas-based brand, Dripping Springs Vodka. Gin would definitely suffice in this Basil Lemon Smash cocktail, too.

And what better reason to break out some of those fancy cocktail glasses you have but maybe never use. These gorgeous lavender-hued coup glasses were my great-grandmother’s. I’m such a huger believer in using your china and heirloom pieces in everyday life. Why just let them sit in a cabinet collecting dust? Chances are they have a wonderful story behind them and are beautiful to look at, too!

So grab those fresh ingredients, take a few minutes to whip up this delicious cocktail and enjoy. Cheers!