CITRUS BASIL TONIC
I’ve got a deep love for my fruit trees. I think that’s why I have a lot of content here about citrus! Maybe it was living in Cyprus. It’s not important, the why of it - just that there is a deep love of it. I’m acutally typing this as I sit at a window over looking my teeny, tiny orchard (the word orchard here is generous, but this is what I see when I look out the window!). I am also a huge fan of
Now, this is my take, but as with any recipe, feel free to make it your own. You can swap the basil for sage or rosemary (which I’ve done mainly because right beside my trees is an outrageous rosemary plant and I’d run out of basil!) if you’re feeling adventurous! You can pick the citrus hero of your choice, or add another fruit. Ultimately, I’ve learnt it’s about having fun!
INGREDIENTS
serves 2 to 3:
4-5 fresh basil leaves
2 large grapefruits, juiced (about 2 cups)
1-2 tablespoons of agave nectar (depending on the sweetness of the grapefruit. I prefer my tonic a little bitter so miss this out)
1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 large lemon, juiced (about 1⁄4 cup)
1 orange, juiced (about 3/4 cup)
Sea salt, to taste
sparkling water to top
Ice cubes, for serving
THE PREP
Use a muddler or a wooden spoon to crush the basil into the agave nectar at the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
Add the grapefruit, lime, orange, sparkling water and lemon juice and a few pinches of salt.
Shake vigorously, then strain out over ice.
If I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll add some sea salt mixed with a little chilli to the rim of the glass - you’re welcome!