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Again, we tasted this cocktail using vodka and gin, but this time, gin won out. We're not sure exactly why — maybe some mixologists have a reason — but it just seemed to give the pineapple more body. Because the juice we used was pretty sweet, we added some lime to tart it up.

The basil was more in the background here than in our rhubarb cocktail, but it did give a little almost-savory twist which we liked, especially when we chewed on a bit of leaf while drinking.

Pineapple Basil Cocktail
makes one drink

3 medium to large basil leaves, rolled and sliced into thin strips
quarter of a lime
1/4 cup organic pineapple juice
1 1/2 oz gin
ice
club soda

Put the basil and lime in the bottom of a glass and muddle, either using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. Add pineapple juice, gin, and ice cubes, and top with club soda. Garnish with a slice of pineapple, lime wedge, or a sprig of basil.

Related:
When Can I Harvest My Basil?
Recipe: Rhubarb Basil Cocktail

(Images: Elizabeth Passarella)