End of Summer Cocktail with Fruit and Basil

Welcome to the September edition of the Crazy Ingredient Challenge! If you have not stopped by in previous months, this challenge is to create a recipe with two truly unique ingredients that are not traditionally cooked together. I’m always so excited to share with you the results of the challenge and each month and just keeps getting better and more creative. Spearheaded by the lovely Dawn at Spatula’s On Parade, this is one group of talented chef’s who come up with these recipes each month. You all ROCK!

So I know you’re on the edge of your couch… or chair… or park bench…. September is <drum roll> Apples and Basil!

This one was exciting since the possibilities were endless. Apples are the perfect fall fruit and I find I eat a lot more during this time of year. My tough decision with this recipe was deciding what type of apple to use. I knew granny smith’s would be too sour, so I stuck with my favorite red delicious variety.

This end of summer drink recipe was inspired by a Bloody Mary I had at Cat Cora’s Kitchen at the Salt Lake Airport. Her Mary’s are so unique since she adds basil to them. I was skeptical at first since I love spicy Bloody Mary’s, but these were so good they are now my airport drink of choice. When basil was announced as an ingredient this month then I found out it was paired with apples, I was stoked. An end of summer cocktail it is!!!

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Apple, Peach & Basil End of Summer Cocktail

Print recipe

Apple, Peach & Basil End of Summer Cocktail

Ingredients

3 Large fresh basil leaves (divided)
1 cup ice (divided)
1 Large red delicious apple (chopped)
1/2 Large fresh peach (chopped)
1 cup chardonnay wine
1 cup Kristian Regale Ligonberry Apple Sparkling Juice
Additional fruit and basil for garnish

Directions

Step 1
In 2 tall 8 ounce drink glasses, add a fresh basil leave and muddle until fairly crushed. Add 5 cubes of ice to each.
Step 2
Add the chopped apples and peaches, dividing them equally between the two glasses. Take the third basil leaf, roll it up and cut into strips. Add half to each glass.
Step 3
Add 1/2 cup wine and 1/2 cup of sparkling juice to each glass. If you have more room, fill the glass with additional juice (or wine if you prefer). Garnish with a fruit slice and a fresh basil leaf. Serve.

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Fresh basil is so aromatic and full of flavor and it gave this end of summer cocktail some really unique flavor. As I’m sipping it, the basil flavor is getting more noticeable and I’m munching on some wine and juice infused fruit. It’s like a meal in a glass!! If you like a lot of fresh basil, muddle two large leaves in each glass instead of one and sliver a basil leaf for each glass rather then a half of one to divide. This is also just as good without the wine if you don’t drink alcohol. The sparkling pear juice can stand on it’s own.

So what do you think? Can I give Cat Cora a run for her money with my basil infused cocktail? I think I may have a shot!

To see past challenges and the creative recipes our chefs have come up with, click on over to my Crazy Ingredient Challenge Pinboard and look around. These ladies are amazing!!!

Follow Lori’s Culinary’s board Crazy Ingredient Challenge on Pinterest.

Do you want to up your kitchen adventure and be a part of the Crazy Ingredient Challenge? Ready to challenge your culinary mind? Shake it up a bit and have a new adventure in your kitchen in 2014. If you want to be a part of this group, you can request to join our Facebook page or send me an email lorisculinarycreations@hotmail.com.