I kind of feel like this drink is the last kiss of summer. The nectarines are so beautiful right now and the garden is still filled with basil, but it won’t last.
I love a frozen, refreshing margarita, it kind of just epitomizes summertime. Using fresh ingredients makes it even better. I have been stockpiling peaches and nectarines, slicing and freezing them for smoothies in the wintertime.
Then it hit me, why not a nectarine-basil margarita? I once made a Nectarine-Basil Shortbread Tart that was out-of-this-world delicious. I knew the flavors would work well together.
I started by making a basil simple syrup. This can be done the day before so it is chilled when you add it to the blend.
I started with frozen nectarines I let thaw out slightly. This way the drink is cold but not too frozen making it too thick.
I always use top shelf silver tequila, such as Patron, for margaritas. The gold tequila gives it too much of a bite. The Patron is smooth and makes a lovely drink even better.
Necatarine-Basil Margaritas
Ingredients
- kosher salt and lime wedge
- 2 nectarines, peeled, sliced & frozen but slightly thawed out
- 1/4 cup basil simple syrup*
- juice of one lime
- 2 ounces top shelf silver tequila, such as Patron
Directions
- Run the wedge of a lime around the rim of a margarita glass and then dip in kosher salt. Set aside.
- Place all other ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into salt rimmed glass and serve immediately.
- *Basil Simple Syrup - 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and one stalk of basil with about 12 leaves. Combine and boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Once room temperature, remove basil and place in a small pouring vessel. Chill until needed.
A perfect end of summer treat.
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These sound sooo good! Love this recipe.
Thanks Katrina!
My kind of drink! I could go for one now!
Me too!
This really is the perfect end of summer great. How lovely! This sounds wonderful and I can think of so many uses for that basil simple syrup. Yum!
I know, it works well in desserts too.
Genius! Can’t wait to try this.
Let me know if you like it!
Oh, what an incredible summer cocktail! I’ve saving this idea for next year’s 4th of July…my neighbors will love it!
It will be perfect!
Oh what I would have given for one of these today! There’s always tomorrow, right?! :) We’ve got a few more hot weeks here in Texas and I’ve got some nectarines in the freezer, so I’m all set to try these! They look so refreshing!
I’ll take 2 of these right! They look so refreshing and make me even more sad that summer is pretty much gone!
this is such a beautiful change from the usual mint syrup…nectarines and basil pair wonderfully together…zingy sip and utterly refreshing :-)
This is stunning!! I don’t eat nectarines nearly enough… But now I think I just want to drink them :)
It’s beautiful!
What a perfect drink to kiss Summer bye-bye! I’ll take 3, please ;)
wow what a great idea. I never thought to combine basil and nectarines. Margaritas are fabulous and always make me think of summer, this might be a great drink recipe to try before the summer weather leaves completely. Great job!
Where were these when I needed them LAST weekend?! It’s been so freaking hot here in the SF Bay Area. Can’t wait to blend up a few of these ASAP.
This looks so great. I can’t wait to make one myself.
Is it 5 o’clock yet?! Oh who cares… pass one this way, please!
Did someone say happy hour? Yes please!
Gorgeous Marg, Cathy! I’m making Mango Margaritas tonight (because that’s what I have on hand). But, I must make these soon! Going to buy some nectarines to freeze. Perfect sip to bid summer farewell. Love that top photo…beautiful colors! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, wow, these would be SO good! Love the basil simple syrup idea. Fantastic! The stone fruit were so good this year, weren’t they? I had fabulous peaches and nectarines.
Every time you post a new recipe I think to myself “oh – ma – gosh we could totally be friends”. After seeing this marggie yep I’m RIGHT!! :)