Over the last couple of weeks, San Diego’s weather has made its decisive “no more rain for six months” move into our long summer. And much like the necessary wardrobe alterations, the change of seasons also calls for a switch to more “summery” drinks.
For the long, warm afternoons I was looking for something new and this evening The Beloved mentioned that our basil plant was doing pretty well. That sparked a memory and I found the Lonsdale in my collection of drink recipes and decided to go for it.
Lonsdale
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz apple juice
- 0.25 oz honey
- 2 basil leaves, torn
Vigorously shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.
Lonsdale
The apple juice and honey provide a nice mellowing against the bright gin and lemon. The fresh basil evokes a powerful “summer” flavor. I went for Bombay Sapphire instead of the potentially overpowering Hendrick’s. Perfect on a summer-ish evening. The picture is from my second one… :)
Stevil 
Gin & juice! “Lonsdale” sounds much classier! ;-) sounds very refreshing.
I like Gin&Juice — in a lot of different forms… :)
So sorry, I do love my spirits, but am not a gin fan. It tastes like perfume to me. (Like your site, though). Scotch and soda, no ice, is my drink of preference, unless I have a few extra coins to spare and then it’s Calvados which is an apple brandy. I discovered it on Erich Maria Remarque’s ‘All quiet on the Western Front’. I don’t often splurge, but when I have, well, yumm!
Mary Pearl — we LOVE Calvados here at The Aerie! :) Thanks for coming by!
Yeah..sounds good, but I think I’ll substitute vodka instead of gin. I can’t take that stuff.
This sounds good. I like Vodka too but try Bombay and increase to 2 oz. Yum!
Increasing to 2 oz. is never a bad idea, Dave.
HA — I’m going to make it a mission in life for folks to get over gin-phobia.
Nice! I wish I could enjoy a nice summer drink! Enjoy an extra one for me! :-)
Deal!
What summer – here on the coast it’s still May Grey slithering into June Gloom, with sidecar of Fog. Can’t wait for July, then you can coax me into one of those Lonsdales.
trailblazer — our days here are mixed, sometimes the skies are good until sunset, sometimes they’re clouded over by 3…
The basil wasn’t too powerful? I’m a little chary about strong herbal flavors in drinks, which is why I generally don’t like merlots and their “grassy notes.” It looks lovely, however.
HG — I didn’t think the basil was too much, probably because it was just shaken in it, as opposed to being muddled. I thought it was subtle.
You make me want to drink mixed drinks, Steve. I’ll ponder trying this, while I drink my Guinness.
Variety is the spice of life, LD… :)
… and flagrant excess is the main course.
I have no idea what that really means, but Rob used it MANY years ago when we were flirting via email. I have not forgotten it – and I think of it every time someone mentions ‘variety is the spice of life’.
My question is do you always have everything on hand to make the drinks? Or do you have to sometimes make a run to the store. I always only have the basics..rum, vodka and tequila. Well also tequila rose because I love it!
That is funny…that you have all the liquor on hand, bit none of the other stuff. Made me laugh… Probably because Ot reminded me, of me. :-)
My question is do you always have everything on hand to make the drinks? Or do you have to sometimes make a run to the store. I always only have the basics..rum, vodka and tequila. Well also tequila rose because I love it!
I have almost all the stuff on hand, but the our supplies have been built up over a long time. Sometimes there will be a special recipe and I’ll have to make a list for the next time I’m shopping. We try to use stuff like mint (or in this case basil) when it’s fresh in our garden. :)
Saved that recipe – looks delish. I just posted my cocktail from last night, “Border Crossing”:
http://www.anaze.us/jiggle/archives/2012/05/a-beer-a-shot-and-a-shotg.html
You’re the perfect person: what’s up with dark rum? I’ve had spiced rum but is there really a difference between “white” (or clear) rum and a dark rum out there? My shops seem to only carry clear, spiced and coconut but a recipe calls for dark rum…Any thoughts when you have time, oh guru of guzzling.
I’m not Steve Betz but I do play one on TV :)
Anyway, yes there is a big difference. I’d be really surprised if your liquor store didn’t carry Myer’s Rum, a very ubiquitous dark rum.
I shall look for this “Myers.” Most ppl aren’t aware of exactly HOW remotely I live…But it could be there & I didn’t even know it was rum :)
Yes — JA is right on (as I knew he’d be). Big big difference between white and dark. Myers is good. Stay away from “spiced” though — unless you want that in particular.
I’ve enjoyed some coconut rum OFTEN and spiced is “okay” but I wanted dark for a recipe and wasn’t sure if it was “necessary” or just for looks. TY!
Mmmm, my favorite dark rum is from Venezuela. Ron Anejo. Picked it up when I was down there on business once. Wish I had brought more of it home.
Hate to be pedantic, but I don’t want people to be mislead. Ron Anejo is neither a dark rum nor a brand. Much like you can get anejo tequilla, it merely means ‘aged’ and there really isn’t much agreement on just how aged it has to be before you can call it anejo. There are lots of brands of anejo rum. The ‘ron’ part I think is just like an honorific.
And while anejo rums are darker, they aren’t as dark as a real dark rum, like Myers, which is almost black. They are also generally a little sweeter, using more molasses in their production. Gosling’s Black Seal rum is another popular rum, used often in the famous Dark ‘n’ Stormy (dark rum & ginger beer)
Thanks for the info. I just took the name off the bottle that I have. Point being – it is from venezuela and I really like it! :-)
Those are always the best rums :)
I am sure you have heard of Cyclone before. A rum with tequila infusion. What do you think of that stuff? I hear they don’t make it anymore.
Can’t say I’ve heard of Cyclone before. Sounds interesting though
I love beverages with fresh herbs! This looks like a must-try. Thanks for writing!
Check me out at theusualbliss.com sometime.
I sure will. Thanks for coming by!
looks delicious, but gotta say, that glass doesn’t hurt the appeal, either. very cute!
Simple — they were actually a gift from an old Vox-neighbor who was clearing out a relative’s house and thought that I might like them. Probably from the 20s or 30s. They make us feel very posh… ;)
That is awesome…
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Look delicious and fresh for this summer
Reblogged this on 8BIT.
Grats for being freshly pressed! Bombay Sapphire sounds delicious. Oh, and those other ingredients, too. I shall try this when I get over being shaken and strained.
Shouts — I highly recommend it. The only problem is that it’s sort of a sipping drink and I occasionally have been a gulper.
Reblogged this on cigarladypdx and commented:
Thanks to Stevil for this great summery cocktail idea…Salute!!
Gracias!
Oooh I love gin, I’ll have to try this one. Sounds like the perfect end to a warm sunny day (and here in Portland the sun has made a grand entrance as well!) While I don’t have any cocktail recipes yet, I do have a blog, if you’re curious check it out :) Congrats on being freshly pressed! http://myrenaissancelife.net/
Thanks Kristy, it’s definitely worth a try!
Looks and sounds awesome! I’m not a fan of sweet drinks (craft beer fan to the core!) and this sounds right down my alley, love the basil addition!
Cheers!
HA — it’s funny, as we’ve gotten better at cocktails, I find I don’t like a lot of the one’s featured in restaurants. Definitely too sweet!
yum Im going to give that a go, sounds and looks delicious
Although, summer comes ones in a year, We much enjoy the whole season.
Oh that looks yummy! I will have to give it a try
Reblogged this on What's For Dinner? and commented:
Such a nice summer drink, I will have to give this a try soon!
Thanks cathynd95 — I highly recommend it. Only downside is that it was gone too soon.
Cheers.
Hey Steve, your fancy drink got you FP’d! Good for you.
I saw! The spam-catchers working OT this week! :)
I love your blog. I think we’re experiencing California weather here in Toronto, right now. We set a record high of 30 degrees celcius, yesterday. Congratulations on being ‘freshly pressed’.
Thanks mamacormier! Come back anytime! :)
luking so yummy…
the picture captures the flavors wonderfully
I will have to try your drink but it did rain in Rancho Bernardo yesterday which was nice for my garden!
I was surprised by that rain too! I never talk bad about the rain here! :)
oohhh that looks good, any left over for me?
There’s always more where it came from… :)
I’ll be trying that this afternoon. Thanks for the recipe. Great photos, and congrats on your selection in freshly pressed.
Thanks, Richard. I have no idea how they choose FP, but I’m glad it got the word out about a really good drink. :)
Delightful! Love your presentation!
Looks Delicious
definitely sub vodka for gin.
Haha I want SOME! :)
Nice :D
http://journeythroughhtml.wordpress.com/
Wow, this just looks so beautiful. I just wished i would be there right now. now now. :) Great picture steve.
Thanks Supplication — I was happy with the pic. Definitely got a sense of the drink.
Reblogged this on Anything Interesting on WordPress.
I’m hesitant to try a gin drink–a generational thing?–but your presentation might make me reconsider.
It’s going to be a mission of mine to get people to NOT be leery of gin. :)
Guaranteed that hits the spot.
I grew up in SoCali, haven’t lived in San Diego in almost 20 years now. I’m in New England- and oh my is it hot! We were in the 80s today, and this drink would have been perfect. I love gin, and this drink looks like a real treat!
Coffee — I have a hunch I’ll be having that as long as our lemons and basil are in season… :)
Mmm..the last old fashioned cocktail I had was a Moscow mule. The copper mug won me over. I’ll have to give this one a go.
5th — one of my new favorites is the gin-gin mule. Muddle mint in lime juice and simple syrup. Add gin and ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with mint. Awesomely awesome.
Reblogged this on girlonahandcycle and commented:
oh look – something I may need to try out if this great weather continues past today, I just need to get apple juice……maybe! ; )
girl — we had the apple juice in little cans because of some kids that occasionally stop by. Talk about a good re-purposing!
I rarely have anything alcohol to drink….but this makes me want to find a veranda and order a couple of them.
You could make this into a pretty good mocktail if you wanted to shy away from the booze.
Looks delicious.
Wow! Excellent
Looks delicious and enjoy the sun/summer weather! :)
It was — and we are. Hope you are too!
I must, must, must try this. thank you for sharing
Thanks for coming by. Hope it turns out good for you!
wow! That is great! I wanna taste the Lonsdale.
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed!
awesome post!
Yum! My boyfriend loves gin, so this may be a way to make it palatable for me. I’m also in San Diego and am excited about the weather this weekend. Thanks for the tip!
Notorious — one of the nicest Memorial Day Weekends I can remember. Hope it was a good one!
Sounds so yummy and still in focus after two! ;-)
HGL — good thing I took the picture when I did!
My mouth is watering now :D
hmmmmm cocktails…
This looks delicious! What about Finsbury gin? That’s what we’ve got right now. Congratulations on being freshly pressed!
Thanks preschool — I think a dry-London gin like Finsbury would do great!
Reblogged this on Open Kitchen Gallery.
nice!!!!
Very well balanced for taste!
very well. I thought it was very good.
Reblogged this on Dream Blinds and commented:
Very interesting blog On Summer Tour
Awesome blog in this summer ,it’s very refreshing .I have shared your post in my blog .
Love the sound of that, you might just have inspired me to try one! Great post, nice to see people enjoying their summer!! :)
Conor (http://getyerwitsoutforthelads.wordpress.com)
Thanks Conor — I’m glad it was FP’d so the word got out.
On a day like today I could just drink one of those right now :D looks good.
Should be nice enough now through Labor Day! :)
I’ve tried it, and it really is beautiful! Refreshing and perfect for the summer!
Glad you enjoyed it!
“The Lonsdale” sounds lovely, I have the ingredients on hand and look forward to trying it this evening!
Danish — I hope you enjoyed it!
It’s noon here, but already pretty hot outside. I think a Lonsdale is in order. =)
Now that’s the sort of thinking we need more of around here…
Mmmm looks delicious :)
Or use sparkling water for a non-alc beverage that still has kick but not kick A_ _!
Congrat’s on being FP’d!
kind-cook — yes, most certainly. I think these flavors would lend themselves to a very good mocktail.
Thank you for the recipe. We entertain a lot and always looking for a new cocktail to surprise our friends with – will definitely try this one.
Definitely a good sippin’ drink you’re not going to find most places.
-drolls- LOL
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! http://thewritingcorpofficial.wordpress.com
Sabrosa receta para combatir el calor…saludos.
That surely does look like a perfect start to summer! cheers!!!
It certainly has been!
mmm, gin is my favorite. and i love the idea of it with honey! thanks for the tip…summer is the best time for happy hours!
hangry — our tree has bloomed out, so I can sit in its shade and enjoy these!
Reblogged this on Don Marcelo and commented:
The Happy Hour
thanks!
My wife would love this. Me, I can’t stand gin. I’ll try to make this to impress her, though!
ray — it’s always a good move to try in get in a lady’s good graces…
Ain’t that the truth!?
This looks fresh and delicious! =Mus’t try!! Sunny greetings from Cancun
This sounds fabulous! I am usually more of a tequila fan as gin tends to scare me a bit because of its strong bouquet. However, this sounds like something I just have to try. Thanks for posting this concoction. I look forward to delving a little deeper into what your blog has to offer.
~Cheers~
F…WW — thanks for stopping by! I know a lot of people that don’t like gin for similar reasons. Maybe this drink could make you a believer! :)
nice article
Sounds so good to this Gin lover. Definitely going to try that this week, while sitting on my deck doing nothing.
ElStyles — I hope it works out that way for you!
can’t wait to try it!
Patio. Your drink. ASAP. Sounds delicious.
Hope it was a success!
This made me gald ,, Thanks for sharing.. – http://www.ThinkAnytime.co.cc
Nice …. I love Rum … :-)
Always looking for a taste of summer so this is a must try. We have a delicious cocktail with gin :
http://pierotucci.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/lipstick-for-him-and-her/
Looks like a refreshing, sit by a pool kind of drink!!!!
Tammy — we don’t have the pool, but it was certainly good on backyard chaise lounges… ;)
That works too. :)
Reblogged this on commercialise and commented:
Lovely !
Sounds wonderful! Will give it a go. In the meantime, you may like the Rhubarb Mint Mojitos I’ve just written about at http://www.inanirishhome.wordpress.com. Cheers! Kim
Great photo!