Sparkling Basil Lemonade, from Cool Refreshing Drinks
Chef Maybury created this lemon-based aperitif from the bounty of citrus popular year-round in Phoenix, where it often tops 110 degrees during the dehydrating days of summer. Stay refreshed with cooling spa treatments and detoxing drinks, he urges.
Ingredients:
4 ounces fresh-squeezed lemon juice
3 basil leaves (hand-tear to release aromatic oils)
1 ounce San Pellegrino Limonata (or sparkling lemon soda)
1 ounce homemade Basil Simple Syrup (below)
Directions: “Shake lemon juice and Basil Simple Syrup over ice for one minute,” says Chef Maybury. “Pour into a high-ball glass, top with sparkling soda and garnish with a basil leaf, then serve.” Packed with Vitamin C, the Sparkling Basil Lemonade is a natural pick-me-up.
Basil Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
4 ounces organic sugar
4 ounces water
1 basil leaf and stem
Directions:
Bring ingredients to boil and simmer for 5 minutes, then strain, cool and serve.
Recipe from Gordon Maybury, Executive Chef
The Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, AZ