We’re kicking off our ‘Garden Collins Summer Series’, a series dedicated to the Tom Collins cocktail starting with a refreshing Basil, Strawberry and Balsamic Vodka Collins using basil from the garden.
Basil, Strawberry and Balsamic Vodka Collins – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
The Tom Collins cocktail is a versatile and easy template for cocktails. It consists of mix of spirit, syrup and lemon juice, shaken then lengthened with the addition of soda water.
For this series, we’re using simple syrups that have been infused with a garden-grown ingredient, in this case, basil and complemented by fruit such as strawberry. The ratio for the spirit: syrup: citrus is relatively the same in this series, keeping in mind that the addition of fruit enhances the sweetness of the drink and may need to be tweaked to personal taste.
The Collins cocktails are tall, refreshing and easy to prepare when friends drop in for a visit and a great way to showcase what’s growing in your garden.
Basil, Strawberry and Balsamic Vodka Collins Recipe
Ingredients
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 15ml basil syrup (click for recipe)
- 4-5 small strawberries
- 1 barspoon of aged balsamic vinegar
- soda water to top
- cracked pepper
Glassware: Collins glass
Garnish: basil sprig (we used purple basil), strawberry, cracked black pepper
Method
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries with aged balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and basil syrup. Add vodka, ice cubes and shake hard until well chilled. Double strain into a Collins glass filled with ice cubes and top with chilled soda water. Garnish with a basil sprig, a whole strawberry and cracked black pepper.
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