I received this product as part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media and Farm Fresh To You, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #farmfreshtotable https://www.my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
So, you might have heard that I got a grill. It’s basically changed my life. Sure, that’s *slightly* hyperbolic, but not too far off the mark! I feel like it’s so much easier and faster to cook this way- and it doesn’t warm up my entire kitchen in ninety degree heat. That’s a pretty conclusive argument, I’d say.
To go with my charred corn and burgers, I whipped up a quick basil soda. I noticed the drink option on a restaurant menu when I was in Portland in May and needed to order it right away. Basil is such a unique ingredient: sweet and spicy and fresh all at once. I was hooked from the first sip.
In order to get started with this recipe, round up a big bunch of fresh organic basil. Did you know that basil wilts quickly if you store it in the refrigerator? After years of floppy basil I finally figured out the proper storage tip: put it in a jar, bouquet-style right on your counter. Smells great, looks pretty, lasts for days.
For my basil, I partnered up with Farm Fresh to You, a delivery box service bringing organic fruits and vegetables right to your door. Seriously- this is a brilliant thing. I’m lucky enough to have multiple local farmers markets, but sometimes I just can’t make it to one of them on the weekend and then I’m driving miles out of the way to fill up my fridge. It gets aggravating because of the time involved and the limited selection of organic product at my nearest markets.
My favorite feature about Farm Fresh to You was their option to customize your box. Completely brilliant, folks. Not only can you go into your account and select which items you would always like to exclude (perfect for allergies or picky palates), but you can log in the week before your box arrives and adjust your order to suit your needs! For my box, I was able to increase my corn count from three ears to four ears and add the basil I needed to make my soda. It was painless and convenient- music to my ears.
Apart from the basil, you won’t need much else to get this soda going. You’ll ideally want to get started the night before you want to serve your basil, but don’t fret if you only have a couple hours.
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 bunch of fresh organic basil, roughly chopped or torn into pieces
- sparkling water or club soda
- Bring water and sugar to a boil over high heat until sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add fresh basil, stirring to combine.
- Let sit for at least an hour to cool. Preferably, refrigerate overnight.
- Once cool, strain the simple syrup into a jar.
- To make your drink, stir one to two tablespoons into 8 ounces (one cup) of sparkling water or club soda.
- Your basil simple syrup will keep in your refrigerator for about a week. I like to store it in a tightly covered jar.
- Sound like the perfect start for a cocktail? I agree. Gin would be my preference, but you can also try vodka or light rum.
Make sure you serve the drink chilled- it’s refreshing and cool and has such a unique flavor. And if you thought it’d be a great cocktail base? I HAVE TO AGREE. I’d throw a shot of gin in, but you might like to try vodka or light rum. Add some cucumber or strawberry slices for an extra flavor shot to either the non-alcoholic or cocktail version!
If you’d like to try your own box from Farm Fresh to You, click here to see if they deliver to your area. And for an extra discount, save $15 off your first box with the code WEAVE15!
Want to see more of this beautiful picnic where I shared my Basil Soda? Head over to the MontgomeryFest blog for more pretty!
Thanks for the tip about storing basil in the refrigerator. No wonder mine always wilts. This recipe sounds delicious. I love sparkling water drinks in the summertime.
I always have sparkling water on hand during the summer, and have tried various fruit-infused recipes but never one with basil. Your Basil Soda recipe looks crisp, bubbly and enticing. I think I’ll give it a try! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us and including such delicious photos.
In the AZ heat, my basil cannot survive without keeping it in the fridge. But, what a great base this would make for a summer cocktail:) Yummm!
First of all, your photos are GORGEOUS. I could look at them all day. Secondly, that soda looks and sounds delicious. I felt bad that my first thought was, “I wonder how this would taste with some vodka mixed in?” but then I saw your note, so I’m glad it’s not just me! 🙂 I’ll definitely be making this soon.
Yum, this drink recipe looks great! I love basil and thanks for the tips! My hubs will love this treat!
Yum yum yum! Pretty basil, pretty box, pretty easy and delicious sounding drink! Love your idea to put the basil in a glass of water — I usually wrap the basil in a damp paper towel and hide it away in the fridge where it can neither be seen, smelled nor appreciated in any way. Your idea on the other hand is a total winner! ^_^