Perfect Place Recipe

Prepare infusion

Lightly bruise the fresh basil leaves by folding them in your hands or gently muddling once to release essential oils. Place the bruised basil and halved grapes into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Pour 2 cups gin over the basil and grapes, making sure the botanicals are fully submerged. Seal the jar and give it a gentle shake to mix.

Let the mixture infuse at room temperature for 12–24 hours for a bright, pronounced basil note with subtle grape sweetness. Taste after 12 hours; if you prefer a stronger basil or grape presence, let sit up to 24 hours but no longer to avoid overly vegetal flavors.

When infusion reaches desired flavor, strain the gin through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar to remove solids. Discard the solids and store the infused gin sealed in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (or at room temperature for several weeks).

Chill a highball glass or Collins glass by filling with ice and cold water while you assemble the cocktail ingredients.

Discard the chilling ice/water and add fresh ice to the glass until about two-thirds full.

Measure 2 oz of the prepared basil & grape infused gin into a cocktail shaker (or mixing glass). If you prefer to keep the drink lighter, use 1.5 oz.

Add 1 tablespoon elderflower liqueur, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup to the shaker with the gin.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds to chill and lightly dilute the mixture.

Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice, leaving room at the top for soda.

Top with 3 oz club soda (adjust to taste) and stir gently once or twice with a bar spoon to combine without losing carbonation.

Garnish with a fresh basil sprig tucked into the drink and three grape halves on a small skewer or floated on top. Optionally express a basil leaf over the glass (clap between palms) before garnishing to release aromatics.

Serve immediately. Stir lightly before drinking if the soda has settled.