Drink Recipes for Episode #07: Cuba Libre and Work It Girl

During EP #07, I recommended the Cuba Libre and one of our own concoctions, Work It Girl.

By Martin Belam [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Sometimes I follow the episode's theme when I recommend a traditional cocktail. And sometimes I just recommend something because it tastes good. The Cuba Libre falls into the latter category. White rum and fresh lime juice are the only two ingredients that can make cola drinkable; sometimes I skip the cola or substitute with tonic.

Cuba Libre (according to iba-world.com)

• 5 cl White Rum
• 12 cl Cola 
• 1 cl Fresh lime juice

When naming the TVP cocktail this week, I did stick to the theme. Work It Girl is inspired by the lychee-basil-blackberry ice cream my grandmother used to make during summers. Granted, it's not exactly ice cream weather now; but winter's a perfect time to indulge in a tart, tasty cocktail, especially in one that brings me back fond memories of my hard-working, vivacious grandmother. (Στην υγειά σας!)

Work It Girl

• 1 part vodka
• 1 part Dekupyer blackberry flavored brandy
• Splash of lychee juice
• Drizzle of basil simple syrup (see below)
• Garnish w/ lime zest

To make the basil simple syrup:

• Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in a medium sauce pan.
• Stir and bring to a boil. When sugar dissolves and the liquid looks clear, add a squirt of lemon juice and 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, making sure to steep the leaves completely. Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for approx. 45 minutes, until it has cooled.
• Using a sieve, strain the mixture. Discard the leaves. 
• Store the basil simple syrup mixture in a jar in your fridge. It can be kept up to one week; other than for this cocktail recipe, it makes a great addition to hot tea and as a substitute for honey or maple syrup. (Basil simple syrup drizzled over strawberries & buttermilk pancakes is a sinfully delicious breakfast, you must try it. The basil simple syrup also tastes great in homemade granola.)