Serves 4
1 pint organic strawberries, hulled
½ cup agave nectar
¼ cup water
6 ounces Tequila (silver or Blanco preferably)
1/8 cup lime juice
1 lemon, zest only
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, rough chopped
Pinch kosher salt
Ice
METHOD:
This drink will be made in a large cocktail shaker or in a pitcher. Begin by preparing the strawberry puree. In a blender combine the washed and hulled strawberries with agave nectar and water. Blend until very smooth and reserve; this will act as the simple syrup in your drink. In the shaker combine tequila, lime juice, lemon zest, basil leaves and salt with 1 cup of ice. Shake these ingredients together vigorously to release the flavor of the basil. Add in the strawberry puree and shake once again. Prepare 4 rocks glasses with ice and pour the margarita mix over the ice. Do not strain; we want to see and taste the basil leaves.
Drink responsibly and Happy 4th of July!
Chef Amanda Freitag
*Photographed by Alli Shepherd