If you are looking for an easy and refreshing cocktail that is bursting with flavor, this Basil Gimlet needs to be on your list! So easy to make, all you need is lime juice, gin, simple syrup and basil! So cool and elegant and the perfect way to highlight basils fresh flavor!
People. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I have a new favorite cocktail. Yes, a gin and tonic is always going to have a big place in my heart, but a gimlet is rapidly becoming my favorite!
A gimlet at it's most basic is simply two parts gin to one part lime juice (traditionally Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice.).
The best part about it, besides it's utter simplicity, is that it's so easy to modify it.
In this case, my basil is flourishing and I was in the mood for a basil cocktail. Just add an extra step of muddling some basil with the lime and the simple syrup and boom, you have an amazing cocktail!
Ingredients
Gin - use your favorite gin. We like a good London dry like Beefeater.
Simple syrup - you'll notice that the traditional recipe called for Rose's Lime Juice, which is a sweetened lime juice. We choose instead to use simple syrup for our sweetness. For a little more earthiness you could try our Honey Simple Syrup.
Lime Juice - fresh squeezed.
Basil - leaves for muddling and a couple for garnish.
Instructions
Chill your coupe glasses by filling them with ice.
Add the basil leaves to a cocktail shaker and pour in lime juice.
Pour in the simple syrup.
Using a muddler, muddle the basil with the syrup and the lime juice. You just want to gently mash it about 4-5 times to release it's flavor.
Add gin to cocktail shaker.
Add ice and a lid. Shake for 10-15 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
Toss the ice out of the coupe glass and strain the gimlet into the glass.
Garnish with a basil leaf!
How easy was that?!
This was so easy and so refreshing, the perfect cocktail using fresh basil.
Speaking of fresh basil, do you see that jar of basil behind the cocktail. Do you know you can turn one basil plant into a bunch and essentially have basil cocktails all summer long! Read how to do it at How to Root Basil Cuttings.
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Recipe
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Basil Gimlet Cocktail
Ingredients
- 10 basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- ¾ ounce lime juice
Instructions
- Add ice to the coupe glass to chill.
- Pour the simple syrup and lime juice into the cocktail shaker and add the basil leaves.
- Muddle by pressing gently on the basil about 4-5 times.
- Add the gin and fill the shaker ¾ full with ice. Add the lid and shake for 10-15 seconds to dilute and chill.
- Toss out the ice from the coupe glass and strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.
Vee Em says
I squeezed the limes, muddled the basil, simple syrup, gin. I made it. HOWEVER, the amount of simple syrup doesn't match the tartness of the lime juice. Couldn't drink it. I added more syrup and ended up adding tonic water to essentially make a Basil Gin & Tonic which was delicious! Really refreshing! I gave it 4 stars because it was a good start to a really delicious cocktail, but it needed some help to get there.
Soniya says
Oh wow! This is perfect summer drink! I have tons of basil growing in my garden 😁 and now I know what to do with it! Cheers!
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
This drink is just so beautiful! I grow basil in my garden so I know what I'm drinking this weekend. Love your photography by the way - so beautiful!
Dannii says
Oh these look super refreshing. I am going to make some for our BBQ at the weekend.
Abigail Raines says
What a perfect summer drink! Just 5 minutes and 4 ingredients - so tempting to make this basil gimlet cocktail everyday!
Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites says
I have tons of fresh basil and need all the different ways to use it up. This sounds like the perfect cocktail for a hot summer day!