Tropical Thai Twist Cocktail

Put down that bottle of pre-made margarita-mix.

Combine fragrant cuttings of Thai Basil with a host of fresh tropical elements for our take on an herbal-tequila cocktail. This one is low in sugar, with no added artificial sweeteners or flavors. Fresh fruit and fresh herbs take this summer drink to next-level botanical bartending.

INGREDIENTS:

(Makes 2 drinks)

• 3 large cuttings of Thai basil, (with flowers if you have them) 
  
• 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced into 1/2" cubes
  
• 1 lime, juiced
  
• 1.5 oz simple syrup
  
• 3 oz tequila
  
• Crushed ice 
  
• Sea salt
  

(cocktail umbrellas optional, but how else will you know you're in paradise?)  

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Add Thai basil leaves and flowers (saving two flower-tops for garnishing), lime juice, pineapple chunks, simple syrup, tequila, and ice to a cocktail shaker or pint glass and shake to combine the juices and flavors. 
  
• Wet the rims of two glasses and dip into a plate with sea salt to coat all the way around the top. 
  
• Add crushed ice to each glass, and strain cocktail mixture, dividing between the two glasses. 
  
• Top each glass with soda water to the brim, and garnish with a lime slice and basil flower. Cheers!