May 30, 2010 (Day 120) — Iced Basil-Cucumber Vodka Spritzer
It’s an unspeakably beautiful day today. It was chilly and cloudy this morning, with the sun breaking through the clouds this afternoon to warm everything up. No wind. Not too hot. Absolutely beautiful. So, since we’re continuing with the party/anniversary/Memorial Weekend theme, let’s make something that can be shared with a group of friends on a day just like today.
Iced Basil-Cucumber Vodka Spritzer (modified from The Bon Appétit Cookbook recipe).
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup fresh basil
2 lemons cut into rounds
1/2 small hothouse cucumber
2 cups fresh lemon juice
2 cups vodka
1/2 cup water
Ice cubes
Mix sugar, basil and lemon rounds in your pitcher, mashing slightly with the back of a spoon. Mix in cucumber. Let stand 30 minutes to let the flavors seep into each other. Add lemon juice, vodka and 1/2 cup water; stir to dissolve sugar. Chill at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Mix in ice and pour into a high ball glass. Top with club soda.
This is something you’re going to want to plan ahead for, since it does take a minimum of 1 hour to prepare. Longer if you want you want it to be as cold as possible.
And hoooooooooly hell is this good. I even used a cheaper vodka, but the longer this little concoction sits, the better it gets. The sugar and sweetness of the basil takes the edge off that vodka and citrus. And it’s… amazingly good. Did I say amazingly? Yeah, I meant it. This is a must for your next BBQ when you’ve got the group around.
Cheers!
— Mark
Cocktails, 365 
What a great and refreshing summertime drink. Thanks for sharing.
— Dan
Basil Basics