I’m a big fan of burning bridges. It’s not like I seek it out or anything. It’s just that sometimes a friend/classmate/job needs to be removed from my life and when that time comes? I get the matches and light it up. Some people might say I act too hastily. Others might proclaim I’m overreacting. To those people I say “Shut your face-hole!” When it needs to be done, it has to be done.
For example…
I had a “friend” once. Let’s call her Sadie. Sadie was ubercool: sassy with great sense of humor. We both liked stiff drinks, karaoke, and making a fool of ourselves. It wasn’t long before we started hanging out regularly. I’m not gonna lie…I had a bit of a lady-crush on her.
Here’s the rub…
She was a one-upper. You know…one of those people who tells a story just like the one you just told, but their experience was better, crazier and more fantastic. On top of that, it had to be her way or the highway, but I overlooked all that stuff because she was so much fun.
What ended it all…
We took a trip and spent a few days visiting her friend out of town. A lot of things happened, but I’ll give you this tidbit. While her friend was at work, Sadie and I hit the town. We went to dinner, had some french fries with poutine sauce, and checked out a couple of bars. It was a fun night up until Sadie got sick. I don’t know if it was the alcohol or the sauce, but I spent half the night holding her hair back.
In the morning, we had to get it together so we could make our return flight. After spending half the night taking care of Sadie, I was tired as hell. The cab was waiting to take us to the airport and apparently, I wasn’t moving fast enough. Sadie started yelling at me to hurry up and I completely lost it. I mean, I didn’t take a bat to her, but seriously, don’t yell at me when I was on puke patrol for your drunk-ass the night before.
It didn’t end well.
The moral of the story…
A few years ago she contacted me on facebook and wanted to know how I was doing and blah, blah, blah. She might still be wondering because I never replied. I hit the delete button and went about my business. It was pretty obvious that we weren’t meant to be friends. That bridge had been burned and the chapter was closed. Let’s let sleeping dogs lie, shall we? 
Life is too short for unnecessary aggravation. Summer is almost here. We should be contemplating getaways, barbeques and basil beerade. Am I right? Beerade is nothing new. Typically, it’s a mixture of some type of lemonade, vodka and beer. The thought of basil beerade sounded good to me so I thought I’d give it a shot and I’m so glad I did.
Basil is my favorite herb. It has a sweet and pleasing aroma which compliments the tart flavors of lemon and lime. Don’t bother with a strong or expensive beer here. The star of this concoction is the basil. I nixed the vodka and went with a $3 six pack of lager from Trader Joe’s. The result is a light and refreshing cocktail, perfect for picnics, barbeques and keeping the heat at bay when bridges must be burned.
Recipe for Basil Beerade
- 1 c water
- ⅔ c sugar
- ½ c lemon-lime juice, about 2 lemons and 2 limes, or you can use all lemons or limes
- ½ c loosely packed basil, rinsed, 1.2 oz
- 2 12 oz cans of cheap beer
- Ice
- Squeeze juice from lemons and lime.
- Reserve ½ c and set aside.
- Place basil in a food processor. Pulse a few times. Put chopped basil in small bowl.
- Place bowl next to the stove.
- Put the water and sugar in a pot over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, about 90 seconds.
- When sugar dissolves add chopped basil and simmer for 1 minute.
- Immediately remove from heat and strain into a small bowl.
- Press basil with spatula to get all the basil-infused simple syrup.
- Discard basil.
- Add lemon-lime juice to simple syrup and let cool.
- Place lemon-lime/simple syrup mixture in a large pitcher filled with a little ice.
- Pour in 2 cans of beer.
- Stir well as the tiny bits of basil will settle at the bottom.
- Serve in a pint glass over ice and garnish with lemon or lime slice and a sprig of basil.
Lovely looking drink and beautiful photography!
Thanks, Ami! It’s my new favorite drink.
Love that story – I couldn’t agree more! And this cocktail looks so refreshing. I am ready to get maaaah drink on!
hahahahaha! I’m feeling you , Rachel. I’s time for a trip to Trader Joe’s. Thanks for reading!
I’ve been going though basil like crazy and I think this might satisfy my current lime obsession (Which really needs to stop since they are $1 each where I’m at!) Love it!
Whoa! $1 per lime? That’s wild! I get what you’re saying, though. Sometimes fruit can be really expensive. Perhaps, we need to start our own gardens? Thanks for stopping by.
Oh yeah it’s crazy. Lemons are just as bad too. I’ve started a small garden this year so I’m hoping my black thumb and I won’t kill everything like normal. I’m terrible at growing things haha!
I really wish I could have my own garden, but I live in an apartment. Kinda blows. I guess I’ll just have to keep buying my avocados @ $1 per. Or, get myself a fruit-suagr daddy. hahaha!
haha, this is an awesome post, probably because i can relate with the “burning of bridges”
i’ve never had beerade, uhm, am i sheltered… or what?
Thanks, Crista! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Don’t think of yourself as “sheltered”, my dear. I never tasted it either until I came up with this recipe. Thanks for reading.
Glad I found your blog, it’s gorgeous and the recipes are adventurous! LOVES it! Glad to connect!! PS- I am a craft beer addict- LOOOOOOVE this x10! PS- I love Cali- when I come back again we should have a drink! If you come to NY- let me know!
Are you kidding me? Chicks who drink beer are the coolest! If I’m ever in NY, I’d love to grab a cold on with ya. Thanks for stopping by, Sophia.
I just discovered your blog; it’s very stunning, and the recipes sound quite exciting.