2 ounces dry gin
½ ounce Aperol
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
4–5 leaves fresh basil
basil sprig for garnish
lemon wheel
In a shaker, muddle basil leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add gin, Aperol, and ice. Shake vigorously then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with basil sprig and lemon wheel.
Lugano Ristorante pairs scratch-made Italian classics with polished service, offering reservations, takeout, and gluten-free offerings in Cary’s upscale-casual dining room.
luganocary.com
@luganocary
More From Our Aug 2026 Issue
- Erica Chats: Special Occasion Spots
- Defined by No Definition: Shijiri Sushi Bar
- Familiar Faces: Patrick Stapleton
- Pay It Forward: Read and Feed
- Small Business Spotlight: Vino & Tap
- Noodle Blvd
- Garden Adventurer: The Riddle of Swiss Chard
- Liquid Assets: Sicilian Sun Martini
- Grounds for Connection: The Turkish Coffee Lady
- All In
- Things to Do: August 2026
