Putting my curious twist on a classic cocktail is a great way for me to push my creativity and explore new possibilities.

The gimlet is said to have been named after a doctor—Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimiette. He created a concoction of gin and lime juice as a means to cure scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C. An early 1920’s description of the gimlet is simply a gin and lime juice cordial, served neat or on the rocks. Vodka was introduced as an alternative at a later date when gin was not always readily available.

My curious twist is to infuse the vodka with basil, it gives the cocktail a floral, herbaceous flavor that compliments the tartness from the lime.

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces basil infused vodka (see recipe below)

1 ounce simple syrup

3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

basil leaves, for garnish

round lime slices, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Pour vodka, simple syrup, and the freshly squeezed lime juice in a shaker filled with ice, shake, and shake, and shake some more.

2. Pour over ice in your favorite cocktail glass or serve it neat in a coupe glass. Garnish with basil and a lime slice.

Yield: 1 cocktail

Basil-Infused Vodka

INGREDIENTS

3 to 4 cups fresh basil

3 and 1/2 cups vodka (no need for your most expensive bottle)

DIRECTIONS

1. Fill glass quart jar with fresh basil leaves, pour in vodka, steep for 3 days in a dark cabinet.

2. Once infused, remove basil leaves. Liquid can be transferred to decorative bottle or back into quart jar.

Yield: 3 1/2 cups