Pomegrante & Purple Basil Gin Smash

Does it seem wrong to anyone else that of the two things I made to share for Easter this year, both contain alcohol? It is after all the holiest week of the year, so don’t talk to my mom or else she will probably convince you to join her in filleting me for doing so.

But since she doesn’t read my blog, here’s an Easter cocktail for us to share. This is a sweet and tart drink kicked up with a slight peppery bite from some purple basil. The purple basil provides a counterpoint to the tartness of the pomegrante and splash of lemon all of which are then complimented with some gin.

If you’ve never tried purple basil, I should mention it’s more pungent in flavor and more peppery than the traditional green basil. Prior to this I have only used it to make pesto, so this is my second recipe using it and I love it. It has a sharpness like arugula but all the flavors of basil.

Have a great Easter weekend!

A few notes:

• If purple basil is not in your area, green basil will work just fine. Keep in mind the peppery kick will be much more mild with the green basil.
• Variation: Switch out the pomegrante for grapefruit or orange, to keep the sweet and tart combination. To remove the tart portion of this drink try using strawberries. You may need to reduce the simple syrup if you do, so that the drink is not too sweet.

Pomegrante & Purple Basil Gin Smash

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of purple basil
• 3-4 tablespoons of pomegrante seeds
• 2 oz. gin
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 1/2 oz lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a shaker and smash pomegrante seeds and basil with a muddler. Add ice and shake until shaker is almost too cold to hold. Pour and serve.