Feb
27

Strawberry Basil Sparkler

you guys. wanna hear something totes crazy? My wedding is in less than 6 months. omg. crazy right? I feel like we just got engaged. Where on earth did the last 5 months go?

And how is it possible that I only have 6 months left of planning time? I think I’m a pretty decisive person but for some reason it took me the last 5 months to pick colors for my wedding. Weird I know. But I’m making progress! Here’s a quick update on what’s been decided:

Food – check!

Bartenders – check!

Colors – finally check!

Photographer – check!

DJ – check!

Bridesmaid dress palate – check!

Wedding dress – check!

Honeymoon – at one point in time it was decided that we were going to Italy. And now we changed out minds. So it’s a check, un-check, still working on it kinda deal…

I think one of the most important parts of our upcoming wedding, besides the fact that we are getting hitched, is food and drink. I mean how many times has the food been just mediocre at a wedding. I’d say more times than not. So we’ve gone and hired some ah-mazing caterers that totally wowed us at our tasting! But I’ll be filling you in on the food in a few short weeks. Today we are all about cocktails.

It’s Monday. And it’s almost March. Which means that spring is almost here and I think we need to be prepared with a perfect spring cocktail. Am I right? I thought so :)

This Strawberry Basil Sparkler is a riff on my all time favorite refreshment, my strawberry basil lemonade. I’ve been concocting fun sparkly and bubbly drinks recently so I can have an idea of what kind of signature cocktails we should serve at the wedding… and this Strawberry Basil Sparkler is definitely one of my top pics! The basil evens out the flavor and makes it a perfect cocktail to sip on during a gorgeous sunny day.

 

Strawberry Basil Sparkler

Ingredients

    For the Strawberry Basil Syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 10 strawberries
  • 1 cup loosely packed basil
  • For the Strawberry Basil Sparkler
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 1/2 oz strawberry basil syrup
  • 2 oz champagne or prosecco
  • squeeze of lemon

Instructions

    For the Strawberry Basil Syrup
  1. Combine the water, sugar, strawberries and basil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Let the sugar dissolve and the flavors from the strawberries and basil infuse the syrup for about 10 minutes.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
  3. Once the mixture has cooled, strain out the liquid into a container and discard the strawberries and basil.
  4. For the Strawberry Basil Sparkler
  5. In a cocktail glass, combine the vodka, strawberry basil syrup, champagne or prosecco and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to combine and serve immediately.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }

Blog is the New Black February 27, 2012 at 5:29 am

This looks so delish and refreshing!

we wanted to do Italy as well, but $$$.

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Connie February 27, 2012 at 6:13 am

What a refreshing-sounding cocktail! Your wedding will be a blast :-) For us, the food and drink was very important as well. We even did away with the floral centerpieces and had Edible Arrangements fruit bouquets instead.

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Yvette ~ Muy Bueno February 27, 2012 at 7:32 am

I can’t wait to see all the details of your wedding. I bet its gonna be gorgeous! Best of luck with all the planning.

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kelly February 27, 2012 at 7:50 am

Just curious… if I were going to make a large quantity of this for a girls get together, what would the amts be for the vodka, champagne and lemon juice? Thanks! Looking forward to trying this!

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Gaby February 27, 2012 at 8:21 am

Hi Kelly! You could do:
1 cup vodka
1 1/2 cups strawberry basil syrup
2 cups champagne or prosecco
1 lemon juiced + more if you think it needs some!!

Thanks :)

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kelly February 27, 2012 at 10:27 am

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

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monika February 27, 2012 at 8:01 am

This Strawberry Basil Sparkler is making me long for summer. Great for a party!

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Amanda February 27, 2012 at 9:18 am

Seriously gorgeous drinks, Gaby! Can’t wait to hear all about your wedding in the upcoming months!! :)

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Virtually Homemade - Liz February 27, 2012 at 9:18 am

What a beautiful drink. Strawberry basil syrup – yum!

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Lucy Lean February 27, 2012 at 9:47 am

Did you mention Champagne? And is that the orange widow I see in the background of your pic?!!! Enjoy every minute of the planning and change your mind over and over – that’s what Bridezillas do ;)

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emily February 27, 2012 at 10:43 am

these look so refreshing!

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Kristina Vanni February 27, 2012 at 12:05 pm

I cannot wait for March and to try this cocktail! Great flavor combinations for a light and ‘springy’ drink to energize after winter!

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Villy @ For the love of Feeding February 27, 2012 at 1:13 pm

Wow, I felt thirsty only looking at your photos! And how excited you must feel for the upcoming wedding!

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Katrina February 27, 2012 at 2:48 pm

So exciting!! These drinks look lovely!

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marla February 28, 2012 at 5:29 am

Looks like you are zipping through the checklist! Awesome girl ~ lovely drink :)

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Jeff @ Cheese-Burger.net March 6, 2012 at 11:05 pm

6 months more to go before the big day. That’s so exciting!

This strawberry basil is a perfect spring cocktail.

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Annalise N. March 13, 2012 at 8:45 am

These look so good. And seriously, are you planning my wedding? Because everything you just said sounds like me. Except that we are still planning on going to Italy unless something drastic happens to change my mind :) But other than that, I think we’re on the same timeline! Good luck and I look forward to reading more on the details…and perhaps stealing some!

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