Oh, hello. Meet the summer cocktail of my dreams.
Also in my dreams: Alec Baldwin follows me around all day (wearing a tuxedo, natch–what is he, a farmer?) and does all of my speaking for me. I just scribble on note cards and wear sunglasses.
Can we make this happen? Maybe I could get on Kickstarter and collect donations.
Meanwhile, I’ll just tell you: This drink made my life better. It’s refreshing, it’s interesting, it’s downright scrumptious. It’s the reason for this:
Looks positively yikes-worthy, huh? Don’t worry; I also bought a cantaloupe that I pushed out of the frame. For comedic effect.
If I haven’t told you before, I will now: I. Adore. Lemongrass. If I could spend hours standing in the kitchen and inhaling its citrusy, fresh, herbal scent, I probably would.
Add Thai basil (or regular basil, really), and your wildest fresh, clean, herbal-citrusy, subtly complex dreams will come true. I mean it.
As for our other dreams, I don’t know. Let’s have an evening drink…
…And talk about which Jack Donaghy line is best. I’m a big fan of “business drunk.”
Thai Basil and Lemongrass Mojito
1 lemongrass stalk (bottom 7 inches or so; save the top for garnish)
8-10 Thai basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1 shot white rum
1/2 shot simple syrup
1/2 shot fresh lime juice
Club soda
Microwave the bottom of the lemongrass stalk for 30 seconds or so, until softened and fragrant. Slice thinly and muddle in a cocktail shaker with the basil, rum, simple syrup and lime juice. Strain into a 10- or 12-oz glass filled with ice, top with club soda, garnish with additional basil and lemongrass, and serve immediately. Makes 1 drink.
How can I choose just one?! If forced to decide, it would probably have to be “Your hair is your head suit” but I also like “Those shoes are definitely bi-curious” and “Never go with a hippie to a secondary location.” My friend embroidered that last one on a throw pillow and it was pretty much the best thing ever.
Oh yes and the drink! Love love love lemongrass.
Haha, that reminds me. “I have to go talk to Rachel Maddow now. Only one of us can have this haircut.”
In my dreams there is Thai Basil. Well all kinds of basil, but most particularly Thai. Maybe we can take up a collection and send me to Thailand?? GREG
Yes! Field trip!
I’m ashamed to admit it – I’ve never actually seen lemongrass – but I would love to. It sounds perfect. Can I just get it at the regular grocery store and put this little cocktail to work?? like, tonight?
Surely! Not all grocery stores have it, though; I would hit up an Asian market or Whole Foods!
OMG this mojito variant looks so fresh! I will try to make it at home for sure !
Your top photo would make a great “food story photo”. If you want to submit to me for posting, just let me know and it will go up on Saturday with other food photo submissions … http://foodstoriesblog.com/food-story-photos/
I found a new love affair with Mojitos. And I usually enjoy the original ones with the mint leaves. I love the idea of using fresh herbs in a Moijito. Thank you for posting these wonderful recipes.
I love lemongrass (and 30 Rock) too! These mojitos look delicious. (And congrats on making the FoodBuzz top 9! So glad I discovered your blog that way.)
Thanks so much, Allison!
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I’m on a huge mojito kick right now and I love the flavors of this one. Lemon anything is perfect for a cocktail and thai basil is my Favorite basil! Love this!!!! It looks so refreshing and is screaming my name!