Basil Ginger Gin Fizz Food

CRANBERRY GIN FIZZ

Steps:

• Combine the gin, cranberry juice and orange juice in a pitcher and stir.
• When ready to serve, pour the drink over ice. Top with ginger beer or ginger ale to taste. Garnish with thyme, a few cranberries and orange peel.

GIN BASIL SMASH

Steps:

• Make the simple syrup:
• Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the stove. Cool. Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar. Cover and refrigerate.
• Make the cocktail:
• Muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup. Add ice and gin and shake. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice. Garnish with a basil sprig.

WATERMELON GIN FIZZ

Steps:

• Puree the watermelon. Strain (I do not strain, I simply use the puree); divide the juice among 4 TALL ice-filled glasses.
• Top each glass with 1 1/2 ounces gin, 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1/3 cup ginger ale (I use a little more soda).
• Garnish with the lime wedges.
• NOTE: I mix mine up to take to the pool by combining the puree, gin and lime juice in a container and then just take cans of soda. I find that this amount makes 5 LARGE drinks.