Its been a while since I last posted a new recipe, in fact it feels like forever! A lot has happened – I got married (!) went on a honeymoon and have now sort of relaxed back into the routines of our life again.

Ali and I had our dream wedding, in a walled garden full of flowers and friends, children and dogs! Our wedding was a diy wedding, with all the emphasis on YOURSELF. There wasn’t a part of it we didn’t do from scratch. I can now see the appeal of buying a package deal..then all you need to think about is your appearance and when to turn up! But we (I) had a real fixed idea of what kind of day I wanted – a whimsical, romantic summers day, centered around botanical flowers, lemons, lavender and love.

So.. I had my mum sew my dress, I did my own flowers, hair & make-up, I in-listed an Italian to make delicate table decorations out of ribbon and vintage Italian lemon paper, I sewed one of the bridesmaids dresses,  got a bow tie for the dog, made 130 pieces of organic soap as thank-you favors, had friends bake cakes, grew lavender plants from seed, tended to sempervivum and citrus trees, had a friend make 800 canapes, ordered a pizza truck, Ali made 400 bottles of home-brew, we set up the marquee, organized a wedding band out of Ali’s musician friends, decorated the place with the help of a small handful of dedicated family, we even got Ali’s cousin ordained so he could marry us, and then, dismantled the whole shebang the next day…So by the end of it all, we were well and truly knackered. But happy that we did it our way!

So, I think I’m forgiven when I ease myself back in to the blog gently..with a simple but delicious recipe for wedding themed Lemon & Basil Martini’s!

 

Using basil in a cocktail might sound unusual, but it will have you licking your lips asking for a refill.

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Lemon & Basil Martini
Serves 1

5 fresh basil leaves
1 lemon, juiced
2 tsp caster sugar
60ml vodka
1 cup crushed ice
1 lemon twirl for garnish
1 basil leaf for garnish

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Place a martini glass in the freezer

Meanwhile, make the lemon twirl, using a sharp potato peeler, starting at one end of the lemon, and carefully twisting round the lemon to create a swirl. Set aside.

Juice the lemon, and add to a cocktail shaker together with the basil leaves and sugar.

Shake for a few seconds, then let the basil infuse for a couple of minutes.

Add crushed ice to the cocktail shaker. Pour in the vodka and shake well for 25-30 seconds.

Take the now chilled martini glass out of the freezer and pour the martini into it.

Garnish the finished martini with the lemon twirl and a basil leaf.

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