Blush champagne combined with the delicious flavors of raspberry and basil in a sweet, refreshing summer cocktail that would be perfect for Mother’s Day!
As you may have gathered by now, I’ve got a thing for basil. And not because it’s trendy or fashionable or on the latest list of superfoods (which it’s not)…..but because it’s delicious! Plain and simple. And, in my opinion, it makes everything better.
How do I love basil? Let me count the ways. Clearly I love it in cocktails. And it’s delicious in lemonade, too. I love it with fruit, and in salads, and with pasta, and on sandwiches. I would venture to say I’ve never met a basil recipe I didn’t like. It really is the all-versatile, ever-delicious little ingredient that takes food to the next level!
Do you know what else is amazing about basil? It grows like a weed. Seriously. Stick it in a pot or plant it in the ground…..and you’ll have basil all summer long. So you can make all the Lemon Basil Mimosas, Strawberry Basil Summer Sippers, and Lemon Basil Spritzers your heart desires. And your heart may desire a lot of them….just sayin’……
Or….it may not! I’ve heard (although I find it hard to believe) that not everyone adores basil as much as I do. So where do you stand? Are you a basil lover like me? Do you just tolerate it? Or do you – gasp – avoid it at all costs? (If that’s the case, I’m not sure we can be friends, fyi……) I’d love to know your feeling on it before I BOMBARD you with all things basil this summer!!! Because you better believe I will! I hope you’re ready.
Speaking of ready, are you ready for the most delicious flavor combination ever?? These Raspberry Basil Champagne Spritzers combine the sweetness of raspberries with the fizziness of champagne…..and when you add in the basil? It feels fancy and refreshing and perfect for summer. Basil will do that….you know?
Raspberry Basil Champagne Spritzers
Ingredients
- 1 bottle blush champagne very cold
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. water
- 1 c. fresh raspberries
- 1/2 c. fresh basil plus more for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare raspberry-basil simple syrup by combining sugar and water in a small saucepan.
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Bring to a boil; remove from heat and add 1/2 c. basil and 1/2 c. raspberries.
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Cool syrup.
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Combine cold champagne and cooled syrup in a large pitcher.
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Serve with fresh raspberries and basil leaves.
Looking for more summer cocktail recipes?
Beth says
Usually I’m the kind of girl who likes basil on my pizza and pasta, but you convinced me that I want this spritzer!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
Raspberries are my favorite fruit. Ever! These cocktails are gorgeous Cathy!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Oh I love this drink, Cathy! Such a pretty color! And I’m loving the raspberry and basil flavors. Sounds perfect for the warmer weather ahead of us! Pinned!
Rochelle @ Oh So Sweet Baker says
These spritzers are so perfect for a brunch. Love!
Tanya+Schroeder says
Cathy, these are so pretty! I love the burst of green against the soft pink. I love basil too, I could totally wear it as perfume!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
I just told my husband that I would eat basil every day if I could grow a basil plant! And now we have a baby one and I am praying I don’t kill it! And to have it with champagne? Genius!
Laura+O|+Petite+Allergy+Treats says
SO pretty! I haven’t had a glass of champagne for the longest time. I love the color and flavor combos too! Pinned.
Deb@+Cooking+on+the+Front+Burner says
Love these fun drinks and I’m with you with the basil…. one of my favorite herbs.
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
I love basil and it’s one of the few things I know I can grow without killing it! 🙂 Haha! These spritzers look perfect for summer, Cathy!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
This is such a cool and refreshing looking drink! I need to give this a try!
Alex says
omg that picture is minakg me sooo hungry .I don’t know about Rachel Ray though she is kind of annoying (YUM-O!) I actually think you are more of a Sandra Lee she makes dishes that look complicated, but makes them simple then creates a cocktail and then makes a tablescape! If you’ve never seen the show, then this probably doesn’t make sense, but she is super creative yeah, you are def a Sandra Lee.
Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture says
I love basil too 🙂 It just adds something so special to sweet recipes! Very sophisticated. And I love that you used blush champagne! Can’t wait to give this a try.