Basil-Vodka Gimlet

Drink away your basil with this sweet and tangy cocktail. Best consumed on a hot summer day. Recipe from Food52.

Serves 2

Ingredients
6 large, fresh basil leaves, torn into strips
Finely grated zest of 1/2 a lime
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 oz. simple syrup
2 1/2 oz. vodka

Preparation 
Put the basil strips, lime zest, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Crush the leaves and the juices with a muddler and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the liquid to infuse with the basil flavor.
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Add the vodka, then fill the shaker 2/3 full with ice. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain the elixir into 2 chilled martini glasses, top each with a small sprig of basil and enjoy!