Move Over, Mojito

The Basil 8 is so refreshing, you may have to start growing your own basil. (And making your own vodka!)

While sampling the culinary treats of Table 8 South Beach (little sister to L.A.’s hot Table 8), we came upon a hit. Kind of like a vodka version of Miami’s famous mojito, this new concoction is cool and light, perfect any time of the day. OK, maybe not with breakfast.

The Basil 8 | SERVES 1
4 large fresh basil leaves
4 green grapes
1 1/2 oz vodka
1 dash Angostura bitters
3/4 oz simple syrup
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz ginger ale

1. In a pint shaker glass, add basil and grapes, and crush with a muddler or wooden spoon. 2. Add vodka, bitters, simple syrup and lime juice, fill glass with ice, then shake for 6 seconds. 3. Strain over fresh ice into a tall glass, top with ginger ale, and garnish with a skewer of grapes and a large basil leaf.

Click here for our super-easy simple syrup recipe.

The restaurants are brainchildren of celebrity chef Govind Armstrong, an advocate for the increasingly popular fresh and local approach. Innovation is key; this is likely the only place in the world you can get a fried olive stuffed with minced lamb. No guff. Watch for a New York version of the place opening this fall. Visit table8southbeach.com.
-Doug Wallace, Deputy Editor