Father's Day

Thai One On (Signature Cocktail from Thailand)

June  2, 2011
4.5
4 Ratings
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

Each year my friends throw a big crawfish boil party in the late spring. I make the desserts and a signature cocktail. This is what I went with for this year's boil. It was inspired by mrslarkin's Tarragon & Grapefruit Aioli. I used a lemongrass-infused vodka (3 large stalks lemongrass, thinly sliced and steeped with 750 milliliters vodka for 1 to 2 weeks), but a citron vodka would work well too. This drink has a lovely balance of sweet, tart, and bitter making it especially refreshing on a hot day. (Thanks to mrslarkin also for the name suggestion -- she's a funny lady!) —hardlikearmour

Test Kitchen Notes

Hardlikearmour's grapefruit and Thai basil cocktail is so light and refreshing, it's suitable for just about any backyard party. The mild hint of ginger from the Domaine de Canton and anise-flavored basil are exotic accents to this bright, citrusy beverage. Notes: If you can't find Thai basil at your grocery store, feel free to use regular basil. If you don't have time to infuse your vodka with lemongrass, try placing a lemongrass stalk into each glass -- it will impart a subtle flavor and act as a swizzle stick. —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 3 Thai basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 ounces lemongrass-infused vodka (see headnote) or citron vodka
  • 1 ounce Domaine de Canton (ginger liqueur)
  • 2 ounces grapefruit juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Seltzer
Directions
  1. Muddle basil leaves and sugar together until basil leaves are well-mashed. Stir in vodka, liqueur, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice.
  2. Strain into 2 glasses (6 to 8 ounces in size). Add 2 to 3 ice cubes to each glass, then top with seltzer. Serve with a blade of lemongrass and/or a sprig of Thai basil. Enjoy!

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • katylua
    katylua
  • wssmom
    wssmom
  • lapadia
    lapadia
  • aargersi
    aargersi
  • nannydeb
    nannydeb
I am an amateur baker and cake decorator. I enjoy cooking, as well as eating and feeding others. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with my husband and our menagerie. I enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, mushroom hunting, tide pooling, beach combing, and snowboarding.

22 Reviews

katylua July 11, 2011
This sounds absolutely delightful! This is a good excuse to run to the liquor store (not that I generally need a reason). I can't to give this one a spin.
 
hardlikearmour July 11, 2011
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it! I will warn you, the Domaine de Canton is ridiculously good and easy to drink on it's own.
 
wssmom July 8, 2011
Not only does it look great, the name is AWESOME hahahaha!
 
hardlikearmour July 8, 2011
Thanks! mrslarkin helped with the name.
 
lapadia July 8, 2011
Thank you, I think I will!
 
hardlikearmour July 8, 2011
LOL! You really should.
 
aargersi June 3, 2011
YUM! This sounds awesome! What cake did you make for the party?
 
hardlikearmour June 3, 2011
it was pretty darn tasty. I did a coral reef cake with modeling chocolate fish & gumpaste (and spaghetti coral and creatures. See my profile pic.
 
aargersi June 3, 2011
Holy cow that is one amazing cake! My birthday is coming up - howzabout a trip to Texas and a cake baking and decorating lesson?
 
nannydeb June 3, 2011
Love the name!
 
hardlikearmour June 3, 2011
Mrslarkin does it again!
 
gingerroot June 3, 2011
Seriously, I'll be in charge of the ibuprofen when we all come to your next party, hardlikearmour! This sounds amazing!
 
hardlikearmour June 3, 2011
LOL! Thanks, gingerroot!
 
boulangere June 2, 2011
OMG! Inspirational.
 
hardlikearmour June 2, 2011
LOL... You're one to talk! They do go down reeeal easy.
 
mrslarkin June 2, 2011
Hee! Can't wait to Thai One On! Glad I provided some inspiration for your lovely cocktail. :)
 
hardlikearmour June 2, 2011
awww! You're always and inspiration, mrsL!
 
lorigoldsby June 2, 2011
i do love the name!
 
hardlikearmour June 2, 2011
It's pretty appropriate since someone at the party told me "you're good at making hangovers!"
 
TXExpatInBKK July 11, 2011
Hangover, HAHA! Good one HLA!
 
nannydeb June 2, 2011
That sounds tasty! I have some grapefruit vodka, would that be too much?
 
hardlikearmour June 2, 2011
I think it would work just fine! It was a pretty big hit at the party.