The wild card item purchased at the farmers market this morning was not even purchased. One of my favorite farm couples insisted I "try it and if you like it you can buy some next week".
Lime basil. I thought of all the things it might be good in... add it to a salad for some brightness, over white rice instead of lime zest, in black beans because why wouldn't that be good...
Then I came home and while eating breakfast I came up with a better idea. A cocktail idea. I knew it would involve tequila and I always like tequila to be paired with cointreau, which led to more citrus but I wanted the lime to come just from the basil so it would not get overpowered, thus lemon. Simple syrup for sweetness to counter the tartness and I left it at that.
I am calling it the Lawrence Farmers Market Margarita. The perfect combination of lime/basil/lemon. Not too sweet and not too tart. Herbaceous in a fresh way but not overpowering. It will be on the cocktail hour rotation permanently until I use up all the lime basil. I will have to print off the recipe and take copies to the market next week so it can be distributed with the lime basil. For those interested.
Lawrence Farmers Market Margarita
1 & 1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz cointreau
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
4 lime basil leaves + 1 or 2 more for garnish
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add 4 lime basil leaves followed by the rest of the ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass with fresh ice, a basil leaf or 2, and a slice of lemon.
Enjoy.
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