Let’s be sure to soak up as many more summer moments that we can, it looks like they are not going to last much longer! Stop for a few moments tonight and make yourself a cocktail, sit outside, and chat it up with family or a neighbor before the weather changes and the gathering outside becomes less and less.
Summer in MN means sitting out on the patio, grilling, fishing, being out on a lake, and evenings spent with cocktails and neighbors. Here in MN it often feels that winter will be for always. And forever. And then even longer. But then summer arrives and makes us all remember the beauty of a MN summer and we forgive it for the horrible winter. And do it all over again while we put up with it.
What would happen if we all protested and moved to Florida? Would Minnesota shape up? sigh. I doubt it, too.
Even now, as summer ends here in MN, the beauty of the season still makes me claim Minnesota as one of the best places to live in the US. I’ll change my tune in a few months, I know. But for now, sitting outside with this cocktail in hand, life is really good. If you were here to enjoy it with me, it would be the ultimate!
The cocktail…. this lemon basil gin fizz features fresh basil and ginger with quality gin and just the right amount of bubbles! You can whip these up quickly and easily so you have plenty of time to sit and chat with your neighbors.
Bonus points if you walk out into your garden and grab that basil!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 leaves basil
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 cup club soda
Instructions
- In an old-fashioned glass; muddle the sugar, fresh basil, and lemon juice together. Remove the basil leaves, if you prefer.
- Fill the old-fashioned glass with ice.
- Add the gin (use a good quality) and then fill the remainder of the glass with club soda.
- If you like, garnish the top of the cocktail with lemon slices and fresh basil leaves.
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later…
Happy Minnesota summer to you all, we hope the remainder of it is long and filled with fabulous evenings and cocktails with friends!
That sounds absolutely lovely!! Thanks for trying out this cocktail and letting me know what you thought…I love feedback!
What a wonderfully refreshing cocktail! The perfect drink for a summer evening with friends while grilling steaks. The first sip is quite tart but it is addictively tart. A friend of mine and I had three of these with Filet Mignon, a romaine and kale salad with a sweet Vidalia vinaigrette, and a warm loaf of garlic bread. What a relaxing and fun evening!