On principal I am usually against cocktails with the word “breeze” in their name, but I make an exception for this one. A friend made this lovely sip for me a couple weeks ago after scouring the Internet looking for a cocktail recipe that replicated a drink she ordered — and loved — in Halifax years ago. The result of her Google search: a Passion Basil Breeze.
It makes a fantastic August long weekend patio drink. I like it because it combines two ingredients I don’t often see in cocktails: passion fruit juice and basil. Pour in some rum and lime juice and it’s a garden party. Sweet and tart, with just a hint of basil and bite of rum, it hits all the right notes for a Dog Days summer evening. Enjoy!
Basil from the garden makes this long-weekend sip even better.
Passion Basil Breeze
- 4 large basil leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish
- 1 oz fresh lime juice, plus lime wedge for garnish
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar simple syrup
- 1-1/2 oz light rum
- 1-1/2 oz passion fruit juice
- Top club soda
In a highball glass, lightly muddle (bruise only) the basil over some crushed ice. Add the lime juice, simple syrup, rum and passion fruit juice. Stir with a bar spoon to bring up the basil from the bottom. Add more crushed ice, then top with soda water. Garnish with a basil sprig.
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