Print

Cherry Basil Spritzer

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful, summertime cocktail. For a non-alcoholic version, just omit the vodka!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Simple Syrup Version:

  • 1 1/2 shots Cherry Basil simple syrup (see directions below)
  • 1 shot vodka
  • squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • club soda

For the muddled fruit version:

  • 4 or 5 fresh cherries, pitted
  • 3 basil leaves
  • 1/2 shot simple syrup (more or less to taste)
  • squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • club soda

Instructions

To make spritzer with cherry basil simple syrup:

  1. Prepare flavored simple syrup (you can read more about that here) by combining 1//2 C. sugar, 1/2 C. water, 1-1/2 C. pitted (use a cherry pitter for ease) and roughly chopped cherries* in a saucepan and bring to a boil to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat, add a few basil leaves (not too many or it will overpower the cherry flavor) and let it simmer about 10-15 minutes to break down cherries. Set aside, let it cool. When cooled, pour mixture into fine mesh strainer and strain to remove solids.
  2. In cocktail shaker combine cherry simple syrup, vodka, and lemon juice, Shake well, pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.

To make using the muddled fruit method:

  1. Add cherries, basil, simple syrup to glass. Muddle well to break down the fruit. Add vodka, lemon juice, ice. Top with club soda. Stir to combine.

Equipment

Notes

* I used my entire pint of cherries I bought when making the simple syrup, minus some that I ate on my way home on my walk and the few I used for the muddled version. The amount does not have to be exact, so enjoy some of those fresh cherries while you have them in front of you!

For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol.