Basil is the aromatherapy you didn't even know you needed! Especially during the holiday season. Once you touch the leaves with your hands the essence fills the air. What a lovely cocktail-making environment. The addition of cranberry in this cocktail adds a bitter and sharp punch, neutralized by vodka and balanced by ice and lemon. Who doesn't love sipping a cocktail adorned with earthy goodness that you can smell all night long? 

Instructions

Combine all in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake cold. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with basil leaves.

**Cranberry Syrup Instructions

In a saucepan combine all ingredients and bring them to a low boil until cranberries begin to pop open. Once the cranberries pop, remove from heat and let cool. Stain out cranberries with a fine strainer and pour liquid into a glass container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.