Drink this: Citrus Basil Cocktail

Herbs can add a refreshing or pleasantly unexpected taste to cocktails.

CITRUS BASIL COCKTAIL

Serves: 2

Juice of 1 orange, 1 tangerine, 1 grapefruit, 1 lemon, 1 lime and 1 to 2 tangerines

2 tablespoons chopped basil

Zest of 1 lime

4 ounces vodka

Place the juice in a shaker with the basil, lime zest and vodka. Shake and serve.

-- Recipe from Ger-Nis.com

And here's a herbal drink without the booze.

TARRAGON COOLER

Serves: 1

6 fresh tarragon leaves, plus a sprig for garnish

1-inch slice of cucumber, cut into cubes

3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

1/2 ounce simple syrup

1 ounce double-brewed chamomile tea (chilled)

1/2 ounce sparkling water

Ice

Place first 2 ingredients in a pint glass filled with ice. Muddle all 3, breaking up the cucumber and tarragon and crushing the ice. Add simple syrup, lime juice and tea. Shake and fine-strain (a tea strainer works well) into an ice-filled glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish.

-- Recipe from imbibemagazine.com