Along the same lines as Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day is pretty big in Louisiana.  They have parades, people dress up, and there are plenty of beads to be collected.  It's quite the experience and of course a fabulous time!  

Friends gather and go to the parade and usually cocktails and lots of food is involved in the process.  It only seemed natural that a green cocktail would be appropriate!

What I love about this particular cocktail is that it is not too sweet, the lime and basil are very refreshing, while the coconut adds some creaminess, and you can make a big batch for all of your friends to enjoy with you!

And honestly, it's a great cocktail to make with or without St. Patty's Day festivities.  It really would be the perfect drink to have at the beach or on a really hot summer day!   I can already tell you that this will be a staple at my house in the upcoming months.

After testing the recipe a couple of times, and recruiting a couple of taste testers to help me out, (you really have to twist people's arms to taste test) this drink was perfected! 

I love it and I hope you will too! 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Silver Rum
• 1 Cup Light Coconut Milk
• 3 Tbsp. Coconut Cream (you can use light here too)
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• Lime Zest
• Basil
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Water
• Ice

Directions: 

-The first thing you want to do is make your simple syrup.  To do this, you will place your sugar and water in a pan along with 3 strips of lime skin (you can use a peeler, just don't get the white) and 3 -5 leaves of basil.  Bring this to a boil and let simmer for 3-5 minutes and then turn off the heat and let cool.  After cooling, you will want to strain the syrup to remove the leaves and the lime skin.

-In a blender, fill almost to the top with ice and then add your rum, coconut milk and cream, lime juice, 5 basil leaves, and 5-6 Tbsp. of the simple syrup.  You can always add more if you want it sweeter.

-Blend until the drink is smooth and creamy.  Garnish with slice of lime and a basil leaf.

Is it happy hour yet?  I'm ready for one of these right now. 

Cheers y'all!