It’s finally the weekend, which means it’s time to sip, relax, and cook - and our favorite adult beverage this week is the The Natural Sip, a cool, clear cocktail devised mostly of ingredients from Arkansas. We start with subtle, nuanced vodka from Little Rock’s Rock Town distillery, layered with fresh lime, basil from our Fayetteville garden, a kiss of ginger syrup from North West Arkansas’ Pink House Alchemy, and finally topped with hydrated basil seeds and the ethereal bubbles from Mountain Valley water out of Hot Springs.

So, whether you’re firing up the grill, hitting the river, or camping out at any number of beautiful state parks in Arkansas, make sure you pack in, and cool out with our Natural Sip cocktail.

The Natural Sip

Serves: 2 | Time: 12 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

4 oz. Rock Town Vodka or Rock Town Basil Vodka

2 oz. fresh lime juice

1 oz. Pink House Alchemy ginger syrup

2 basil bow ties, plus 6 large leaves

1 lime, wedged

4 oz. Mountain Valley Sparkling Water

2 tablespoons hydrated basil seeds

TECHNIQUE

Add one tablespoon of dry basil seeds to a ramekin or cup, add 1 cup of warm water and allow seeds to expand and hydrate for about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Fill and Collin’s glass half way with crushed ice, layer top of ice with three or four torn basil leaves, then fill to the top with additional crushed ice.

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine vodka, lime juice, and ginger syrup….shake well, then pour over ice into each Collin’s glass; top with sparkling water, basil bow ties, and a tablespoon of hydrated basil seeds. Enjoy responsibly…and naturally.