Guest Bartender Makes: BASIL LAVENDER MARTINI

Kicking off a brand new blog feature here at Making Nice in the Midwest, I have with me a very dear friend, Miss Catherine Bules- maker of this mad herbal martini that I can’t wait to enjoy once this baby’s out of my belly! If you’ve been reading here for a while, you might remember Catherine from her surprise birthday party , her initiation of the All-Friends-Thanksgiving tradition, or perhaps that time she dressed up as Lumpy Space Princess! My little group of friends enjoys experimenting with drink mixing, so I thought it would be fun if Catherine kicks off this new “Guest Bartender” series with a fresh drink perfect for Summertime. (Oh, and I did try a tiny sip- it was surprising in all the right florally ways!)

  • 7-10 full-sized fresh basil leaves (dried basil will not do)
  • 1/4 cup dried lavender (you may use fresh lavender too)
  • 1 T honey, or a one inch square of honeycomb.
  • 1 fresh squeezed lemon (2 if you like it a bit more citrusy)
  • 2/3 C of gin
  • 1/3 C of vermouth
  • ice cubes
  1. Combine the first three ingredients (if using honeycomb, otherwise wait to add the honey) and muddle with a pestle. Then, Pour honey and squeeze lemon into muddled herbs. Do all of this in a cocktail shaker, or use a mason jar as Catherine prefers.
  2. Add to the mason jar or cocktail shaker 2/3 cup of gin.
  3. Top it off with 1/3 cup of vermouth.
  4. Place lid on mason jar or cocktail shaker, and shake with ice. Strain into a glass with ice, and garnish with lemon and lavender.

Categories: cocktail hour, food and drink, guest bartender

7 Responses

  1. Elena @ Randomly Happy says:
    August 17, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Such a big fan of gin. ‘Specially in warm weather.

    I always admire your glassware. Is that weird?

    x Elena
    http://www.randomlyhappytoday.blogspot.com

    • Mandi says:
      August 17, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      Thanks Elena! I love collecting glassware from the thrift store, but this particular set is actually Catherine’s. Cute, huh?

  2. Shaina Longstreet says:
    August 17, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    Oh gosh, this sounds amazing!! :D And I must say, I really love how you design your posts. So pretty to look at. <3

  3. liz says:
    August 18, 2012 at 9:06 am

    oh my, does this look yummy!

  4. Dora Panariti says:
    August 19, 2012 at 10:41 am

    I love everything about this post! The glass, the recipe, the photography!

  5. Lisa L. says:
    August 20, 2012 at 12:51 am

    This sounds super interesting. Never thought of infusing lavender with alcohol. I bet it is nice and refreshing. Have to try it out.

    Great photographs also!

    Always,

    Mostly Lisa

  6. Hopskipandjump says:
    August 20, 2012 at 6:30 am

    Wow, what a fab idea for a drink! I’m definitely going to bring out your recipe next time I’ve pals over. Love the horsey glas too