The Rainbow Recipe
Vodka, Lime Juice, Strawberry Purée, Basil
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
- 1
Prepare strawberry purée (if not pre-made)
Hull and quarter 4–5 fresh strawberries. Place in a blender with 1 teaspoon of water and puree until smooth. Optionally pass through a fine mesh sieve for a silkier texture. Yield: about 3–4 oz purée.
- 2
Muddle basil
In a cocktail shaker, add 6 fresh basil leaves and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle 6–8 times just to release aromatic oils and wilt the basil — avoid pulverizing into bits.
- 3
Combine cocktail
Add 2 oz vodka, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz strawberry purée and the muddled basil and syrup into the shaker. Add 6 ice cubes.
- 4
Shake
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the exterior is very cold and slightly frosted (this chills and dilutes to balance the cocktail).
- 5
Strain
Double-strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with 1 cup fresh ice (use a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve to catch basil bits) to produce a clear, smooth drink.
- 6
Top (optional)
If desired for a lighter, effervescent finish, top with 1 oz club soda and stir gently once to combine.
- 7
Garnish and serve
Garnish with a thin strawberry slice on the rim and a small basil sprig laid on top of the ice. Serve immediately.
