Cotogna's Crystal Beach Recipe

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Updated March 24, 2025

This rye-based cocktail from Cotogna restaurant in San Francisco tastes super-fresh thanks to lemon juice, berry liqueur, and a bunch of aromatic basil.

Notes: You can substitute Genovese basil for the opal basil. Fair Goji Berry Liqueur is available at liquor stores and online. You can also substitute Clear Creek Loganberry liqueur or raspberry liqueur—taste before serving if you substitute ingredients.

Recipe Details

Cotogna's Crystal Beach Recipe

Prep 5 mins

Active 5 mins

Total 5 mins

Serves 1 serving

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Ingredients

4 opal basil leaves (see notes)
2 ounces rye whiskey, such as Rittenhouse 100 proof
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 whole lemon)
1/2 ounce Fair Goji Liqueur (see notes)
2 ounces ginger beer, such as Blenheim's
Opal basil sprig

Directions

Lightly muddle basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add rye, lemon, and Goji liqueur. Fill shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
Fill a collins glass with ice. Double-strain into serving glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with basil sprig.

Special equipment

Muddler, cocktail shaker and strainer, mini fine-mesh strainer

Whiskey

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
228	Calories
0g	Fat
18g	Carbs
1g	Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories	228
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 14mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate 18g	7%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 8mg	42%
Calcium 44mg	3%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 105mg	2%
*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.