September 24, 2024

Before my basil succumbs to wilt and frost permanently, I’ve got one more recipe for you. Basil  Black Pepper Whiskey Cocktail is a pleasantly spicy herbal beverage which goes with all nibbles and appetizers.Virginia made whiskey is the real star here. Ragged Branch Virginia Bourbon Whiskey is crafted  on a farm just down the road in Charlottesville. Smooth as silk, smoky sweet and good for sipping and mixing.

We’ve featured black pepper simple syrup and basil simple syrup. Combine the two and you get a rich addition to cocktails and  mocktails. A touch of fresh lemon juice added to the finished drink gives tart relief from sweet.

Uniquely, homemade simple syrups can be customized to your liking. Leave the flavoring ingredients to steep longer and your flavor is explosive. However, leaving  the cracked black peppercorns in too long makes for a fiery beverage which may not please all palates. I find that an overnight steep in the syrup yields a flavorful elixir with just the right amount of bite.

richly hued and richly flavored, this basil black pepper simple syrup is a great addition to many drinks

Tasty mocktails benefit from a shot of flavored simple syrups as well. Your base can be fizzy like seltzer or sweet like fruit juices or savory like tomato vegetable juice.

My tasters enjoyed this late summer drink and I hope you do, too. Happy autumn to all.

Basil Black Pepper Whiskey Cocktail

recipe by Michele Humlan, The Good Eats Company

makes about 8 ounces

ingredients 

one cup cane sugar
one cup water
one packed cup of basil leaves and some tender stems, chopped to release flavor
2 tablespoons black peppercorns, crushed lightly*
fresh lemon juice
chilled whiskey, seltzer or other mixers
optional garnishes : lemon peel, basil
* place peppercorns in old clean kitchen towel and whack with mallet

directions 

1. Combine sugar and water in heavy quart saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar is melted.
2. Allow syrup to simmer one minute, then off heat add basil and black pepper.
3. When mixture is cooled to room temperature, place in glass container and chill overnight or at least 12 hours.
4. Strain syrup and store in the refrigerator up to 1 month.
5. If you like a hot and spicy syrup, leave the peppercorns in longer than one day, but watch it!
6. For cocktails, make sure all ingredients are well chilled.
7. Combine 2 ounces whiskey, 1 ounce basil black pepper simple syrup and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
8. Shake with ice and serve as is or pour beverage over ice cubes.
9. For mocktails, combine the same amount of syrup and lemon juice with your choice of fizzy waters or juices.