To make WSJ basilcello, you will need a large, sealable jar, vodka, and fresh basil. This delicious infusion takes some time to develop its flavors, so be sure to plan ahead.
1. Start by gathering your ingredients. Choose a high-quality vodka that you enjoy, as the flavor will come through in the final product. Fresh basil is essential for this recipe, as it adds a vibrant herbal note to the basilcello.
2. Take your sealable jar and pour in the desired amount of vodka. The amount will depend on how much basilcello you want to make, but a good starting point is 2 cups of vodka.
3. Take a handful of fresh basil leaves and gently wash them under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
4. Add the basil leaves to the jar of vodka. Using a muddler or a wooden spoon, gently muddle the basil leaves until they are lightly bruised. This step helps to release the oils and flavors from the basil.
5. Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake to ensure that the basil and vodka are well combined. This will help to infuse the flavors more evenly.
6. Place the jar in the refrigerator and let it infuse for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors of the basil to meld with the vodka, creating a delicious basilcello. You can leave it to infuse for up to 1 week if desired, but keep in mind that the longer it infuses, the stronger the basil flavor will become.
7. After the desired infusion time has passed, strain out the basil leaves from the vodka. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids and achieve a clear basilcello.
8. Once strained, you can transfer the basilcello to a clean bottle or jar for storage. It is now ready to be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in cocktails.
Notes:
– The amount of basil you use can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a stronger basil flavor, you can add more leaves or infuse for a longer period of time.
– Experiment with different varieties of basil, such as sweet basil or Thai basil, to add unique flavor profiles to your basilcello.
– Basilcello can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or used as a base for cocktails. Get creative and try incorporating it into your favorite cocktail recipes for a refreshing and herbaceous twist.
Personal Experience:
I first discovered basilcello during a trip to Italy, where it is commonly enjoyed as a digestif. The vibrant green color and aromatic basil notes immediately caught my attention, and I knew I had to try making it at home. I experimented with different ratios of basil to vodka and found that a gentle muddling of the basil leaves helped to release the flavors without overpowering the vodka. The result was a smooth and refreshing basilcello that was perfect for sipping after a meal. I often enjoy it chilled, served in a small glass with a sprig of fresh basil as garnish. It has become a favorite among my friends, and I often make a batch to share during gatherings and special occasions.