muddled grape cocktail

Our recent trip to the wine country inspired me to create a cocktail featuring grapes. Nothing says summertime more to me than a mojito, with its muddled flavors and refreshing herbal notes. For this cocktail, instead of muddling limes and mint, I muddled grapes and fresh basil, which complement each other surprisingly well. To give this cocktail a more refined look and feel, after muddling, I strained the drink before serving. And, because I am a clear liquor girl and haven’t had rum since my Captain Morgan days in college, I substituted vodka for the rum.  A final float of St. Germain balances out the flavors and provide floral undertones. A delicious drink to sip to mentally transport yourself to the vineyards of Napa. Recipe Makes 2 cocktails

• 3 leaves fresh basil
• 10-12 seedless green grapes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 simple syrup, or to taste
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 c. ice
• 1/2 ounce St. Germain
• 1/2 ounce soda water, if desired
• Green grapes and basil for garnish, if desired

Clap together the basil leaves in the palms of your hand to release the oils.  Drop basil leaves into a cocktail shaker and add grapes.  Muddle basil and grapes thoroughly to break up the grapes and release their juices.  Add lemon juice, simple syrup, vodka and ice to cocktail shaker.  Cover shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.  With strainer on, pour mixture into 2 glasses.  Top with a float of St. Germain and soda water {if desired},  Garnish with grape halves and small basil leaves, if desired.