Fresh strawberry basil syrup topped with bubbly champagne or sparkling wine makes a light, fruity champagne cocktail that is perfect for a brunch, girls night, or anytime you care to feel classy.
Prep: 10 minutesmins
Cook: 4 hourshrs40 minutesmins
Total: 4 hourshrs50 minutesmins
Servings: 6glasses approx., depending upon size of pour
1pintstrawberries(fresh or frozen and thawed) hulled and sliced into quarters
2tablespoonsfreshly squeezed lemon juiceabout 1/2 large lemon
1bottledry white sparkling wine(champagne, prosecco or cava will all work nicely, chilled)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Stir in fresh basil leaves, remove pan from heat, and allow mixture to sit for 35 minutes while basil steeps.
In a medium bowl, mash the strawberries with the lemon juice, until strawberries well crushed. Pour basil syrup into the bowl, then mix thoughly to combine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, then place in the refrigerator to allow flavors to infuse for at least 4 hours. Strain mixture into a sealable jar or container, then return to fridge until ready to use.
To serve: place 2 tablespoons of strawberry-basil syrup in the bottom of a champagne glass. Top with sparkling wine. Sip and enjoy.