August Imbibe

The cocktail of the month has two twists.
The first one is lemons, because there's nothing I love better than a tart cocktail.  And the second is basil.  The herb you say?  Why not, it's abundant and refreshing.  And the hint of anise is delightful with the lemon.

Lemon-Basil Syrup

• 4 cups packed fresh basil sprigs (top 4 inches; from a 1/2-pound bunch)
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 9 (4- by 1-inch) strips lemon zest

Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let stand at room temperature, covered, 2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container and chill until cold, about 1 hour. Strain syrup through a sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids.  (Keeps for a number of weeks.)

Lemon-Basil Gimlets

• 1 oz  basil lemon syrup
• 1 oz gin or vodka
• 1/2 - 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• ice cubes

Garnish: fresh basil sprigs (preferably lemon basil); lemon zest strips

A quick shake and a pour into your favorite martini glass (What?!?  You don't have a favorite?) and you are imbibing the drink of the month.