Peach Basil Limeade

You know when you’re poor and you have three things left in your kitchen? When the time comes to make dinner, you combine the three ingredients in desperation and end up making something really delicious. Oh really? Just me?

I did the same thing with my leftover peach vodka and all this basil I have floating around and it turned out great. But don’t believe the picture! There are no fresh peaches in this recipe!

It’s boozy, citrusy and refreshing. Make it in a pitcher for your friends and they will love you. I’ve used Absolut, Stolichnaya and High West Peach Vodkas for this recipe, and they’ve all tasted great.

Basil Mint Limeade
Serves 6

2 c. peach vodka
2 c. water
1 c. basil syrup (recipe below)
1 c. fresh lime juice (8-10 limes)

Combine all ingredients with ice in a pitcher. Garnish with lime wheels and basil leaves as desired.

Basil syrup:

1 c. fresh basil (coarsely chopped)
1 1/2  c. water
1 1/2 c. sugar

For the syrup, you’re basically making a really sweet tea. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and stir until sugar is dissolved and solution is near boiling. Remove from heat, add basil and let steep for 30-45 minutes. Strain and let cool. If you want your syrup to last longer than normal, add 1/4 cup regular vodka.

Variations: Use soda instead of water. Or you could puree fresh peaches and use regular vodka if that’s what you have on hand, or omit the vodka for a nice non-alcoholic drink.

You can also easily make this into a fancy one-at-a-time cocktail: 1.5 oz. peach vodka, .75 oz. fresh lime juice, .75 oz. simple syrup, 4-5 leaves of basil. Muddle basil and syrup, add the rest of the ingredients and shake and strain into a cocktail glass.