Summertime Gin & Tonic

This is a summertime citrus sensation in a glass to help combat the sultry, steamy, searing days of the season (isn’t alliteration fun??...lol) 

It’s 100 degrees in the shade right now and a refreshing cocktail is perfect after a long day.  It’s rooted in the past just by virtue of being a gin and tonic, and goes really old school when you substitute bitter lemon for the tonic.  But right before you and your date start talking like Thurston Howell III and Lovey, it goes all new with a squeeze of fresh lemon and some basil.  Mmmmm hmmmm, that’s right.  Basil.

If you want to cool down without the alcohol, just leave out the gin. It's still delicious.

Have fun with this:  it’s a classic with a twist.  And really, did you expect anything less?? :) 

------------------------------------

(WHAT YOU WILL NEED)

Gin (I used Tanqueray)

Bitter Lemon (I used Schweppes)

1 lemon

fresh basil leaves

ice cubes

tall glass

Fill glass with ice.  I use the 1:3 ratio--pour gin 1/3 of the way up the glass, add bitter lemon to the top.  Run the lemon wedge around the rim of the glass, squeeze into drink, and place in glass.  Garnish with basil leaf.

fresh basil from my kitchen