Razzmopolitan recipe from Kraft

If you are looking for a family friendly mocktail to serve this coming New Year's Eve, this recipe from Kraft is perfect! Directions for making an adult version is included for those ringing in 2015 without kids.

RAZZMOPOLITAN
What You Need

• 1-1/4 qt. (5 cups) cold water 
• 1 pkt. (makes 2 qt. drink) or 2 pkt. (makes 1 qt. drink each) CRYSTAL LIGHT Classic Orange Flavor Drink Mix* 
• 2 cups low-calorie cranberry raspberry drink 
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 

Make It 
ADD water to drink mix in large plastic or glass pitcher; stir until mix is dissolved.
STIR in remaining ingredients.
SERVE over ice. Or, refrigerate until ready to serve.

*NOTE: CRYSTAL LIGHT Packets come in two sizes. Please note packet size before preparing recipe.

Kraft Kitchens Tips Special Extra 

• Serve in martini glasses with rims that have been dipped in water and sugar. 
• Substitute For an adults-only version, substitute vodka for 1/2 cup of the water.

Basil lime cooler recipe

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This recipe uses a simple basil syrup (found HERE) as its base ingredient. It is a unique-and delicious-variation from other summer cocktails and will quite possibly become a favorite of yours throughout the summer months.

BASIL LIME COOLER
Ingredients

• 1 ounce basil syrup
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed juice
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 3 basil leaves
• 2 to 3 ounces seltzer
• sprig of fresh basil for garnish

Directions
Combine syrup, juice and vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with seltzer water and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.

Collins Glass Set

Simple basil syrup recipe

Basil (Photo credit: ~Brenda-Starr~)

Tis the season for an abundance of basil and there are tons of ways to enjoy this flavorful herb: add it to your summer salads, use it generously in Italian dishes, add a little to baked goods. The uses are virtually endless! For a new and exciting twist to your summer drinks, make this simple basil syrup recipe and add it to lemon and limeade, cocktails and more.

BASIL SYRUP
Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 fresh basil leaves

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Turn heat up to high and bring to a rolling boil, stirring to ensure the sugar has completely melted. Reduce heat and simmer again for ten minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool thoroughly before straining through a fine mesh sieve. Can be stored for up to one week or used immediately.