Delicious Home-made basil liqueur

A MEANINGFUL GIFT I ALWAYS GIVE TO FRIENDS WHO HAVE JUST MOVED INTO THEIR NEW HOME IS A LOAF OF FRESHLY MADE (OR BOUGHT) COUNTRY BREAD AND A BAG OF PRETTILY WRAPPED HIMALAYAN PINK SALT. 

THE BREAD TO WISH THEM HAPPINESS AND TOGETHERNESS IN THE FAMILY AND THE SALT FOR PROSPERITY AND SECURITY.

AND A BOTTLE OF MY HOME-MADE BASIL LIQUER, OF COURSE.

INGREDIENTS

1 x 750 bottle grappa or vodka

50/60 grams basil leaves washed and dried

225 grams sugar

200 ml water

2 Rinds of a small lemon, organic if possible.

Directions:

Place vodka, lemon rind and basil in a large container, preferably glass.

Cover and let stand at room temperature in a dark place, such as a kitchen cabinet,  for at least three weeks, shaking the container twice a week.

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer, leave uncovered for 5 minutes. Cool completely.

Strain vodka mixture, discarding basil and lemon rinds and stir in sugar mixture. 

Pour into a glass bottle; seal tightly.

It can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 months. Serve chilled.

Decant into small decorative bottles if you wish to give them away as a gift.