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 4^th of July!

Chef Amanda Freitag

*Photographed by Alli Shepherd