cocktail FRIDAY ~ Carpe Diem

Seize the day with this lovely refreshing cocktail.

10	strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tbsp	vanilla sugar
90 ml	clear apple juice
30 ml	lime juice
150 ml	gin
8	basil leaves
To taste:	Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
To serve:	basil leaves and cucumber slices

Process strawberries, sugar and juices in a blender until smooth. Pour into a 1 litre-capacity jug over ice, add gin and basil, and stir. Top with Champagne or sparkling wine and serve over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with a basil 

leaf and a slice of cucumber and serve.