Basil Cranberry Julep Recipe

By
Nick Caruana
a photo of Nick Caruana, a contributing writer at Serious Eats
Nick Caruana is a drinks writer and author of The Straight Up, a blog dedicated to classic cocktails. 
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Updated August 29, 2018
Basil Cranberry Julep
Nick Caruana

It's easy to get friendly with mezcal when you're drinking this refreshing cranberry and basil-flavored spin on a classic julep.

Recipe Details

Basil Cranberry Julep Recipe

Active 2 mins
Total 2 mins
Serves 1 serving

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Syrup:

  • 2 cups 100% pure, unsweetened cranberry juice such as Knudsen Just Cranberry

  • 1 cup sugar

For Each Drink:

  • 2 ounces mezcal

  • 1 ounce cranberry syrup

  • 1/4 ounce agave nectar

  • 6 basil leaves

  • Garnish: basil leaves and 1/4 ounce extra cranberry syrup

Directions

  1. For the cranberry syrup: Add cranberry juice to medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow the juice to reduce by half. Remove from the heat and then add sugar. Stir to dissolve.

  2. For each drink: Add basil leaves and agave nectar to the bottom of a julep cup then muddle gently. Add mezcal and cranberry syrup, add the straw, then top with crushed ice. Drizzle extra 1/4 ounce cranberry syrup on top, garnish with basil leaves, then serve.

Notes

Cranberry syrup can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Special Equipment

Muddler, julep cup, straw, saucepan

This Recipe Appears In

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
234Calories
0gFat
27gCarbs
0gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories234
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 2mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 27g10%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 8mg41%
Calcium 10mg1%
Iron 0mg1%
Potassium 27mg1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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