The blueberry-infused vodka is optional (plain vodka works fine!), but if you want to kick it up a notch, infusing the booze doesn’t take long. If you have any leftover blueberry syrup, it’s great in yogurt and on pancakes! Makes 6 drinks.
by: Three Many Cooks
Ingredients
Blueberry-Infused Vodka
½ cup blueberries
2 ¼ cups vodka
3-inch strip of lemon peel
Blueberry Syrup
1 pint blueberries
¾ cup sugar
Peel from ½ a lemon
Squeeze of lemon juice
To Finish:
30 basil leaves
4.5 ounces lemon juice
Fresh blueberries and lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
Make the blueberry-infused vodka:
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, add the blueberries and crush them the back of a spoon. Add the vodka and lemon peel, and heat until hot but not boiling. Remove from the heat, transfer to a glass or metal container, and chill in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
Make the blueberry syrup:
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan set over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it forms a thick syrup. Transfer to a glass or metal container, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Make the cocktails:
Combine 4 basil leaves with 1 ½ ounces of blueberry syrup, and muddle together using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon. Add 3 ounces of the blueberry vodka, ¾ ounce of lemon juice, and ice. Shake vigorously and strain into rocks glasses with a few fresh ice cubes. Garnish with one basil leaf and a few blueberries. Repeat for 5 remaining cocktails.
Recipe by Three Many Cooks at https://threemanycooks.com/conversations/blueberry-lemon-and-basil-cocktail/