Green Thumb Recipe
red berries, soft bubbles vodka, fresh lemon, basil
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Berry-Basil Base
Spirit & Sparkle
Glass & Garnish
Method
Berry-Basil Base
Muddle
Place the fresh red berries and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Add the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Gently muddle about 10–15 times — press enough to crush the berries and bruise the basil to release juices and aromatics without pulverizing into a completely pulpy mash.
After muddling, add 2–3 medium ice cubes to the shaker to chill the mixture briefly.
Spirit & Sparkle
Pour the soft bubbles vodka into the shaker with the muddled berry-basil mixture. Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds to combine, chill, and aerate slightly.
Double-strain the shaken mixture into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice (use a fine mesh strainer to catch seeds and basil bits).
Top gently with the chilled soda or sparkling water (about 2 oz). Stir once or twice gently with a bar spoon to integrate while preserving the bubbles.
Glass & Garnish
Garnish with a sprig of basil and a whole red berry speared on a pick or floated on top. Optionally add a lemon wheel on the rim for brightness.
Serve immediately with a straw or cocktail pick. Recommend serving cold; remind drinker to gently slap the basil sprig between hands before garnishing to release aromatics.