Basil French 75
All kinds of cocktails perk up when herbs are added to the mix. The key to extracting the herbs' flavors and fragrant oils is muddling -- done with a traditional bar tool (that's similar to a mortar and pestle but gentler on delicate leaves) or the end of a wooden spoon. Try these cocktails: Mint-Ginger Caipiroska, Cilantro Negroni, Tequila-Thyme Lemonade
Martha Stewart Living, March 2011