Basil Liqueur

Name: Basil Liqueur
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2-3/4 cups.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups vodka; 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, torn; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 3/4 cup water

I used to teach herb classes at our farm and the local technical college. After attending, a friend gave me this recipe. Enjoy it as a refreshing after-dinner drink or as the base for a cocktail.—Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups vodka
1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, torn
1-1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup water

Directions

Place vodka and basil in a large glass or plastic container. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 6 weeks, stirring once a week.
In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Cool completely.
Strain vodka mixture, discarding basil. Return mixture to container; stir in sugar mixture. Pour into a glass bottle; seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator up to 3 months. Serve chilled.

Originally published as Basil Liqueur in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2014