summer in a glass

Peggy and I went to lunch today at our amazing mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square. We ate at the new Fox Restaurant Concepts place called Modern Steak. Lunch was perfectly delish but what really stayed with me was a cocktail Peggy ordered called “Retail Therapy” (that name is just too cute!)  Once I tasted it, I wished I had ordered it too!  So, I came home, worked on it for a while, and believe I have come close to duplicating it. I’m calling my version, “Summer in a Glass” for obvious reasons. It calls for simple syrup and for muddling, just as my Cucumber Martini did, so click here to go to that previous post if you need help with either the muddling technique or the simple syrup recipe.

Thank you dear Peggy for lunch and my beautiful gift, but most of all, thank you for the gift of your friendship! xoxo

“Summer in a Glass” Martini

6 fresh or frozen (thawed) strawberries, stemmed
6 large basil leaves
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) simple syrup, chilled
Ice
3 ounces (about 1/3 cup) Absolute Citron vodka
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Grand Marnier
Strawberry slices and basil leaves for garnish
Lemon juice, optional

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries and basil with the simple syrup. Fill 3/4 full with ice and add the vodka and Grand Marnier. Shake well, strain into two chilled martini glasses, and garnish with a strawberry and basil leaf.  Taste and add a squeeze of lemon juice if it is too sweet for your taste. Serve immediately.

Makes 2