BASIL-LIME RUM FIZZ

Basil-Lime Rum Fizz image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h45m

Yield 1 drink (plus extra basil syrup)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
1 cup packed fresh basil, plus 2 leaves
1/2 small lime, cut into wedges, plus 1 wedge for garnish
1 1/2 ounces light rum
1/3 cup chilled nonalcoholic ginger beer
1/2 ounce dark rum

Steps:

Make the basil syrup: Bring 1 cup water, the sugar, peppercorns and allspice berries to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, then continue to simmer until slightly reduced, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the 1 cup basil. Let cool, then strain into a liquid measuring cup. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. (You should have about 1 cup syrup, enough for 8 cocktails.)
For each drink: Muddle the lime wedges and 2 basil leaves in a shaker with 3/4 ounce of the basil syrup. Add the light rum, fill with ice and shake well. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with the ginger beer. Float the dark rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Garnish with a lime wedge.