Basil Citrus Cooler Food

SWEET TOMATO BASIL COOLER

Steps:

• Prepare the garnish by cutting a small X in the top and bottom of the cherry tomato. Skewer a paper straw through the two X's and set aside.
• Fill a small bowl with 1/4 inch water. Mix the basil sugar with the salt on a small plate.
• Dip the rim of an 8- to 10-ounce rocks glass in the water then in the basil sugar mixture. Add two or three 1-inch ice cubes to the rimmed glass, carefully pour in the tomato basil shrub then top with the sparkling water. Stir with the prepared straw, adjust the tomato so it sits about 1/2 inch above the rim and serve.
• Combine the tomatoes, basil sugar and salt in a small saucepan and stir together to start to dissolve the sugar and break down the tomatoes. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally to break up the tomatoes, until the tomatoes are saucy and the skins are loosened, 25 to 30 minutes. (No need to add water; there will be plenty of liquid from the tomatoes.)
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium heatproof bowl, pressing as much juice as possible through the sieve; discard the solids. Transfer the shrub to a glass jar and refrigerate for 24 hours before enjoying so the flavors can meld together. The shrub can be refrigerated for up for 2 weeks. Makes about 2 cups.
• Combine the sugar and basil in a mini food processor and pulse until the basil is finely chopped and blended into the sugar. You might need to stop and stir occasionally to help disperse the basil. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

BASIL-CITRUS COOLER

Steps:

• In a large container, combine basil and sugar. Mash with the back of a wooden spoon until basil is broken up. Add orange juice, lime juice, and 5 cups water; stir until sugar is dissolved. Serve over ice.

SPRINGTIME CITRUS COOLER

Steps:

• Prepare a strong cup of tea with the Earl Grey, letting the bag steep for 5 minutes. Place the orange slices, sugar, rose water, and tea into a 1/2 gallon pitcher. Fill with cold water, and stir to dissolve the sugar.

CITRUS COOLER

Steps:

• Stir 1 cup water and sugar in small saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. transfer syrup to pitcher and chill until cold. Add orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and lemon juice to pitcher and stir to blend. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.) Fill 4 glasses with ice. Pour citrus cooler over and serve.

PEACH-BASIL COOLER

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine sugar, peaches, basil and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 30 minutes. Discard basil; stir in lemon juice. Refrigerate until cooled completely., Place peach mixture in a blender; cover and process until blended. Strain into a pitcher; add additional cold water to reach desired consistency. To serve, fill glasses with ice. Pour peach mixture halfway up glass; top with club soda or, if desired, champagne. Serve with additional basil.

CITRUS COOLER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice and ginger ale. Serve in two chilled glasses over ice. Garnish with lime and orange slices if desired.

CITRUS-BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a jar with a lid, mix the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, honey, basil, and vinegar. Seal and shake well. Chill 2 hours in the refrigerator. Strain basil before serving.

CLAIRE'S CITRUS COOLER

Steps:

• Muddle lemons and oranges. Spank basil leaves and add along with other ingredients. Shake, double strain and serve with extra basil and fruit.

CITRUS COOLERS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over high heat bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring until sugar disolves. Boil 3 minutes. Transfer syrup to a bowl or other container; cover; chill until cold (at least 3 hours but will keep for up to one week).
• In a large pitcher mix together juices, 3 cups syrup and 3 cups water. ***can be made one day ahead; covered and chilled***.
• Fill glasses with ice and pour cooler over.
• ***Left over syrup is wonderful added to iced tea topped with mint leaves and lemon slices.