Boozy Drinks

Blueberry Basil Smash

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

A basil simple syrup and a healthy dose of blueberry infused vodka makes this herbalicious smash cocktail a “sing in your mouth” situationYou’d be crazy not to try this. No, really – Crazy! Stop the insanity! Get your blueberries before they disappear into winter weather oblivion.

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

‘Member that time I infused vodka with blueberries? Oh, come on – You ‘member! Well… I infused vodka with blueberries this summer. It was… Dang – There ain’t enough adjectives to describe this jammy. You’ll just have to trust that blueberry infused vodka is a serious situation. You’ll need to get on this, pronto.

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

Now’s when I admit I’m a bit of a vodka infusing hoarder. You know how hoarders just.. hoard things? I do that with booze. I infuse and forget. Months later I find jars of deliciously infused vodka in flavors no longer in season. Perhaps hoarder is the wrong word. I’m just wicked forgetful. Maybe I’m a genius. A savant? Who knows?

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

Flow with me. I infused vodka and stored it in what I call my infusing cabinet for well over a month… I forgot about it. I did.

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

I spotted it as my son pulled out a box of Pop Tarts he’d hidden from his sister. Yes, he hides Pop Tarts. And Ovaltine. The boy is going through a phase where he refuses to share his Pop Tarts and Ovaltine. I don’t judge, though sometimes I fear HE may be sort of a hoarder.

Side Note: I’ve never eaten a Pop Tart in my life. Is there something wrong with me?

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

So I found this deeply infused vodka and was all, what the hell am I going to make with this? I mean, I’m not opposed to sipping it straight from the mason jar with a bit of ice like a proper boozer; however, you guys deserve better than that.

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

Did I ever mention my obsession with basil? Eh, probably not. I am obsessed with basil. It’s my favorite herb, carrying within its leaves one of my favorite scents. I use it in my cooking at least once a week, taking very healthy sniffs. Since I’m still boozing I thought, why not?

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

And this smash was born.

Like all my drinks this smash started with a simple syrup. Basil simple syrup. Before you turn up your nose or raise an eyebrow at me – Hear me out. Basil simple syrup just… Works. It’s delicate, aromatic, and sweet without being cloying. I wanted to drink that jammy through a straw. I didn’t. ‘Cause I needed it for m’ cocktails. But I was totally down with it.

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

The hardest part of this cocktail was making simple syrup. And simple syrups are just that. Simple. And the smash comes together in fewer than five minutes.

You grab a handful of blueberries and a few large basil leaves. Add your herbylicious simple syrup and you smash that good and right. Add blueberry vodka – As much as you can tolerate – Then top with ice and seltzer.

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

I’m made many drinks this summer and this smash is the shizzle. It’s refreshing, fragrant, slightly sweet, and a bit tart from the blueberries. The flavors don’t eclipse one another; instead they work in beautiful synergy. It’s like a well-executed body roll. I mean seriously – This literally sings and dances on your tongue, like a tiny little drink Diva with thick thighs.

Blueberry Basil Smash {mind-over-batter.com}

Wait…

Did I just describe Beyonce?

I may have…

Whatever… When you try it you’ll know what I mean, homies.

[purerecipe]

Blueberry Basil Smash

A basil simple syrup and a healthy dose of blueberry infused vodka makes this herbalicious smash cocktail a "sing in your mouth" situation. You’d be crazy not to try this. No, really – Crazy! Stop the insanity! Get your blueberries before they disappear into winter weather oblivion.

Ingredients

For the basil simple syrup

  • 1 heaping cup of basil leaves. Pack them in there!
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the blueberry basil smash - Makes 1 cocktail

  • About 4 large basil leaves
  • a small handful of blueberries
  • 2-3 tablespoons basil simple syrup
  • 2 ounces 4 tablespoons blueberry infused vodka (or regular vodka)
  • Ice
  • Seltzer
  • Basil leaves {for garnish)

Instructions

Make the blueberry simple syrup:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the basil leaves, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the basil leaves have completely wilted and look shriveled, about 10 minutes or so. Strain the basil leaves and discard. Transfer the syrup to glass jar with a lid and bring to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Makes about 2 cups of simple syrup.

Smash that:

  • To an 8 ounce glass, add the basil leaves, blueberries, and simple syrup. Mash is with a muddler, or the handle of a wooden spoon until the basil leaves become fragrant and the blueberries have released their juice. Add the vodka and mix to combine. Add ice and top with seltzer. Mix once again to combine and knock that jammy back, yo.
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