As glasses clink and the patrons’ voices buzz under the live jazz band, you toss the bottle of gin into the air. Did it just make a three-rotation flip? THREE?! You didn’t even know you could do that.
While bartending at a prohibition-era speakeasy does sound exciting, you don’t have to be a professional to create impressive cocktails. All you have to do is make this Blueberry Basil Gin Fizz. After the first sip, those drinking it will be convinced that you’re a trained mixologist—no bottle flipping necessary.
The botanical notes of gin, fresh lime, and sweet basil make for a refreshing and sophisticated beverage. But it’s the bright blueberry and accents of rosemary in Clarksburg Botanical Blueberry Hard Cider that really make it sing a unique tune.
It all begins with ice. Or, if you’re feelin’ crafty, freeze some blueberries and drop them in the glass to cool things down. Next, pour in your gin. Any gin will do, though we prefer store-bought to bathtub-flavored (yes, this was a real way to proof down and flavor gin during prohibition). After you add the gin, fizz it up by adding in your Clarksburg Botanical Blueberry Hard Cider until the glass is nearly full. Squeeze half a lime over the top, then gently rub the rim with basil. It may seem silly, but taking this extra step can truly enhance the flavor of the drink. Fun fact: around 80% of the taste we perceive when eating or drinking is from aroma sensations! Garnish with the basil.
When sharing your Blueberry Basil Gin Fizz with friends, make sure you hand it to them with a haughty smile. Pair it with a tuxedo or flapper dress and they’ll feel like they’re partying at Gatsby’s—without all the pesky drama, of course.
