I did not invent this one, but after Publix had a beautifully developed pot of basil for sale, I bethought myself of a couple of basil-based drinks I have had while on vacation here and yon, and I wanted to find a good one, needing to trim the plant so it would continue to branch out.

I checked with my Mixologist app, which had one using brandy that looked interesting, but I didn’t have all the ingredients.  So online I went, and I found this recipe.  It works.  It works well.

Last evening, I tried it both ways, with vodka (plain, since we’re out of citrus vodka) and with Hendrick’s gin.  The Hendrick’s is to be preferred.  Several times.

For those too lazy to click on the link to Boozemixer.com—and the recipe, though yummy, is a bit illiterate—here it is:

Lemon Basil Martini

• 6 basil leaves
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/2 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 2-3 oz Hendrick’s gin

Muddle the basil in a shaker with the sugar.

Add agave syrup and lemon juice.

Add ice, then gin.

Shake, serve in martini glass.

Most excellent.  At the moment I have used only bottled lemon juice.  We shall have to try it with fresh.