Sometimes life calls for a cocktail — especially on a Friday. While you can’t go wrong with a simple vodka and soda, there are times when you want to really shake things up. We turn to area restaurants and bars for inspiration. This week, Washington D.C.’s Masa 14 shares one of their fall cocktails, Autumn on 14th.

Autumn on 14th

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• .5 oz balsamic syrup
• 5 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 2 oz ginger beer

Directions

1. Muddle the basil, brown sugar and balsamic syrup.
2. Add ice and bourbon and shake vigorously.
3. Serve in a double old fashioned glass and top with ginger beer.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaf.