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An herbaceous take on a classic gin cocktail, this basil gimlet is a quick four ingredient drink that’s perfect for shaking up on a warm spring or summer day.
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Originally created by San Francisco bar owner Greg Lindren, adding fresh basil to a traditional gimlet cocktail creates a fresh sip that enhances the botanical essence of gin.
Basil is one of the many herbs I plant annually in my herb garden, so I'm always looking for new ways to use it in cocktails. This recipe is a fresh twist on a classic gimlet made with that makes it the perfect summer drink - especially if you take the time to shake it very well and make the cocktail very cold.
Since this is a smaller volume drink, it's best served in a small Nick and Nora glass. If you don't have these small glasses on hand, a coupe glass or even small martini glasses would work well. This is a drink served "up" - without ice in it - so a stemmed glass is the most appropriate way to serve it.
A fairly tart cocktail, serve your Basil Gimlet alongside a salty snack like these Whipped Feta and Sundried Tomato Crostini or my make-ahead BBQ Oyster Crackers.
Basil Gimlet Ingredients
- Gin - Choose your favorite herbaceous gin for this recipe.
- Limes - Fresh lime juice is an important ingredient for this cocktail. You’ll need 1-2 limes per drink depending on size. Stay away from Rose's Lime Juice and other brands of sweetened lime juice. They contain additional ingredients and don't taste nearly as good as freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Simple Syrup - Make your own simple syrup at home in minutes, or up the basil flavor with my basil simple syrup.
- Fresh Basil - Several leaves of fresh, bright basil are key to the basil flavor in this cocktail.
How to Make a Basil Gimlet
In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice cubes, combine gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh basil leaves.
Cover and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
Note: The shaking will break down the basil leaves. We're doing this instead of muddling the basil, so don't skimp on the shaking. Shake well and count to 10 while you're doing it. If you're using a metal shaker, the outside should feel extremely cold right after you finish shaking your drink.
Double strain into a Nick and Nora glass.
Garnish with a lime twist or small basil leaf.
Sip and enjoy!
Make Your Own Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is an easy sugar and water mixture that you can stir up at home in a few minutes. Or add fresh basil leaves to hot simple syrup to create basil simple syrup, which is delicious in this cocktail. Whichever version you choose, be sure to give your syrup time to cool completely before using.
Looking for More Gin Cocktail Recipes?
Gin is a versatile liquor with lots of variety and variations available. I love an American gin in most of my gin cocktails, though sometimes the more subtle flavors of a London Dry gin work better and allow the other ingredients to shine through.
Try my Strawberry Gin Cocktail with an American gin or my Grapefruit Elderflower Gin Cocktail and Rhubarb Gimlet with a London Dry gin.
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Basil Gimlet Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup or basil simple syrup
- 5-7 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice, combine gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh basil leaves. Cover and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Double strain into a Nick and Nora glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist or small basil leaf.
- Sip and enjoy!
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