Created by bartender and co-creator of Aviation Gin, Ryan Magarian, this is a super refreshing summer drink that goes down fast. Here’s what he has to say about it’s origin: “ I created the Basil 8 as a signature drink for Govind Armstrong’s once famous Table 8 Restaurant back in 2006; and I was inspired by Gov’s mastery of bright, fresh flavors done with elegance and simplicity of someone whom one would think had been around a whole lot longer than he had been at the time. The pleasant and slightly aggressive spice of the basil in tandem with the light and almost ethereal notes of green grapes all rounded out by a bit of lime, ginger ale, and Angostura was my best shot of reflecting his cooking sensibilities in the form of a drink…”
I love basil in cocktails, and the addition of grape, gives it a fruity sweetness. It would be interesting to experiment with different seedless grapes.
Basil 8
3 fresh basil leaves
5 white grapes
1.5oz vodka
0.75oz lime juice
1oz simple syrup
1 dash Angostura
ginger ale
Garnish: fresh basil sprig, white grape
Muddle basil and 5 grapes in Collins glass. Add next four ingredients and stir. Add ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with basil sprig and 1 white grape.
This recipe looks delish! I love basil and ginger. Thanks for the recipe.