Green Thumb

Photo by Michael Piazza / Styled by Emmet Kelty

Serves 1

FOCUS: NETTLES, BASIL

2 ounces nettle-infused vodka*
½  ounce basil simple syrup**
½ ounce lemon juice

Combine in mixing glass, add ice, shake lightly and pour over 1 large square cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with lime zest.

*Nettle-Infused Vodka:
4 cups Berkshire Mountain Distillers Ice Glen Vodka
Nettles

Put vodka into a large (32 ounce) Mason jar and, wearing clean kitchen gloves or using tongs, fill at least halfway with nettles. Steep for 72 hours at room temperature. Strain.

**Basil Simple Syrup:
½ cup water
½ cup sugar
1 cup packed basil leaves

Heat water and sugar over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Add basil leaves and turn off heat. Let cool completely and strain.

This recipe appeared in the Spring 2017 issue as part of a larger story on Spring Cocktails.