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411 Sterling Place
Brooklyn, NY, 11238
United States

212-253-1343

Saffron 59 Catering is New York City's premier caterer and event planner specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine. For over 11 years, Saffron 59 has successfully orchestrated memorable affairs with attention to every detail.

Blog

Food Talk: Holy Basil!

Irene Khin Wong

Private VIP Lounge of Q Bar

I often get my brain picked on for my expertise with exotic drinks from various Asian regions; whether with modern-global touches or with traditional roots. This time, I asked two renowned bars and their mixologists for their favorite herbal concoctions.

One of my favorite spots when I am in Bangkok is the Q Bar. This recipe is courtesy of “Travelin Matt”.

Thai Basil by Travelin Matt

Ingredients:

  • 4 lime wedges
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 oz vodka
  • Fresh watermelon
  • Fresh Basil (4-5 Leaves)
  • Ice Cubes
  • Sprite to top off

Instructions:

  1. Muddle Brown Sugar and lime first
  2. Muddle watermelon
  3. Add basil leaves (no muddle)
  4. Add vodka
  5. Add ice cubes
  6. Top off with sprite or 7-up
  7. Stir strongly (Mojito Style)
  8. Garnish with basil leaf and watermelon wedge
  9. ENJOY!


Green with envy, the Green Delilah

Here is another recipe using Thai Basil recommended by our friend, Pauline Nguyen hailed from her much celebrated Lily Cocktail Bar, in New South Wales, Australia. 

Green Delilah by Dee Stewart of Lily Cocktail Bar

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 ounce vodka
  • 1 ounce apple liqueur
  • small bar spoon of lime marmalade
  • 8-10 basil leaves
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce pineapple juice

Instructions:

  1. Muddle leaves in marmies (marmalade)
  2. Add everything else
  3. Shake it like a polaroid
  4. Strain into a martini glass
  5. Garnish with a spring of Thai basil

For an art benefit of 250 guests in the Hamptons,  we made one of our simple signature drinks, the Rangoon Cooler.

Rangoon Cooler

Ingredients:

  • 5 holy basil or thai basil leaves 
  • Juice of medium lime
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 2-1/2 ounces vodka

Instructions:

  1. Place five basil leaves in a mixing glass.
  2. Squeeze the lime into the glass.
  3. Press down on the leaves with a muddler and twist 4 to 5 times.
  4. Fill glass three-quarters of the way with ice cubes.
  5. Add the simple syrup and vodka.
  6. Give the glass a good shake and strain into a cocktail glass.
  7. Float a piece of the muddled basil leaf on the top as a garnish.

How do you like to use basil or your favorite herb? Let us know!

categories "Asian cuisine", "Irene Khin Wong", "Q Bar", "bangkok", "cetana foundation", "cocktail", "holy basil", "infused gin", "rangoon", "saffron 59", "yangon"