tom collins, but make the simple syrup basil infused

Hello traditional high-ball. Yes, this may be a drink of the past. But if you didn’t know, everything old is new again, and the Tom Collins is no exception.

Especially when it’s made with a basil infused simple syrup.

I’m not joking when I tell you, this is my new favorite summer drink. And y’all know I’m a tequila girl.

Well girl is changing her tune.

This gin based, simple syrup infused, fresh lemon, basil flavored drink is basically like drinking summer in a glass. Partially because it’s mixed with sparkling water, and mostly because fresh lemon and basil scream summer.

Ingredients:

2oz basil simple syrup

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

handful basil leaves

2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice

4 oz gin

4 oz lemon lime sparkling water

Directions:

In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil and whisk until sugar has dissolved.

Place basil leaves in mason jar or similar lidded container. Pour simple syrup over basil and let mixture cool.

Add cooled syrup, lemon juice, gin and sparkling water to a shaker. Fill will ice. Shake carefully (since using sparkling water) until shaker is cold. Strain liquid into two high ball glasses filled with ice.

Serve with lemon wedge and fresh basil leaf for garnish.