Summertime Sippin': Basilchello!


Patience is most definitely not one of my virtues. I tend to want things done yesterday, and nothing makes me happier than finding a more efficient way to do something.  Yet sometimes, as they say, good things come to those who wait...as I've discovered with homebrewing and now, infused alcohols.

I stumbled across a recipe for basilchello (like lemonchello, but with basil) a few weeks ago during my schitzophrenic internet wanderings and it seemed to me a good excuse to use some of my ever-proliferating basil and buy some high proof alcohol without looking like a college kid prepping for a Hairy Buffalo party.  ("It's for a classy recipe!")

The original recipe (here), calls for 190-proof grain alcohol, but since the copper still in my basement is on the fritz, I substituted 151.  If using a lower proof, taste as you go when you're adding the simple syrup, to make sure you don't over-sweeten it.

The longer you let the basil infuse the alcohol, the more potent the flavor...I held off for about two weeks, then combined everything last night. And yes, it was definitely worth the wait.

Here's what you do:

Basilchello

Ingredients:
20-30 basil leaves, gently cleaned
1 bottle 151 proof Everclear (or 190 if you can get it)
1lb sugar                                                                                            
3 cups water        

Directions:
1. Combine the alcohol and basil leaves in a glass container with a sealable lid.  Turn the bottle a few times a day for 14-20 days.  The liquid should turn bright green within a few hours.

2. After the infusing period is up, mix together the sugar and water in a saucepan and cook until sugar is thoroughly dissolved. Turn off heat and allow to cool completely. If you want, add additional basil leaves to the simple syrup and allow them to infuse.

3. Combine the simple syrup and alcohol in a large bowl, then strain into bottles/containers of your choice. Place in the freezer until thoroughly chilled and enjoy on the porch after dinner.

Looking for additional cocktail inspiration?  Check out this list of summer delights from The Spotted Pig in NYC: Yay Summer!


Comments

Anonymous said…
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Hey thanks for sharing this! I was looking for something like that weeks ago. Keep sharing.
December 13, 2011 at 9:21 AM
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