12 Basil cocktails you can make in minutes!
Basil cocktails are a refreshing twist on traditional drinks, adding a unique herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor. These cocktails are perfect for those looking for a new taste adventure or to impress guests at a party. The invigorating aroma and taste of basil make these drinks a delightful choice, especially on warm, sunny days.
Basil Cocktails: A Fresh Take on Classic Drinks
Basil isn't just for pesto anymore. This aromatic herb is making its way into the cocktail world, and the results are nothing short of amazing. Its fresh and slightly sweet flavor adds a unique twist to various drinks, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Who Would Enjoy Basil Cocktails?
If you're a fan of herb-infused drinks or enjoy experimenting with unique flavors, then basil cocktails are for you. They're also a great choice for those who love gin-based drinks, as the botanicals in gin pair beautifully with basil.
When to Serve Basil Cocktails?
Basil cocktails are perfect for summer gatherings, outdoor barbecues, or any occasion where a refreshing and flavorful drink is called for. They're also an excellent choice for dinner parties, as they pair well with a variety of dishes.
Basil Smash
The Basil Smash is a refreshing, herbaceous, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the lemon juice. The gin adds a layer of complexity with its botanical flavors, while the simple syrup balances the acidity of the lemon.
Read more
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Fresh basil leaves: 10-12
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.75 oz(23ml)
Recipe
- In a shaker, gently muddle the basil leaves to release their oils
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
- Double strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a lemon wheel
Caprese Bloody Mary
The Caprese Bloody Mary is a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy cocktail. It has the freshness of tomatoes, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the earthiness of basil. The vodka gives it a strong kick, while the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco add a complex depth of flavor.
Read more
Ingredients
- Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Tomato juice: 4 oz(120ml)
- Fresh mozzarella: 1 oz(30ml)
- Fresh basil leaves: 4
- Tabasco: 1tsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1tsp
- Salt: 1pinch
- Pepper: 1pinch
- Lemon juice: 1tsp
Recipe
- Muddle the basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add the vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a skewer of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomato, and a basil leaf.
Watermelon Basil Mule
The Watermelon Basil Mule is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly spicy cocktail. The watermelon provides a sweet and juicy base, while the basil adds a hint of earthiness. The ginger beer gives it a spicy kick, and the lime juice balances everything out with a tangy zing.
Read more
Ingredients
- Watermelon juice: 4 oz(120ml)
- Basil leaves: 6
- Ginger beer: 6 oz(180ml)
- Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ice cubes: as needed
- Watermelon and basil for garnish:
Recipe
- Muddle the basil leaves in the bottom of a copper mug.
- Add the vodka, watermelon juice, and lime juice.
- Fill the mug with ice cubes.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of watermelon and a sprig of basil.
Lawnmower
The Lawnmower is a delightfully fresh cocktail with a strong herbal flavor. It has a light sweetness that is balanced by the tartness of the lime. The gin adds a nice complexity to the drink, making it a refreshing and invigorating cocktail.
Read more
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Sugar syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Fresh mint leaves: 10
- Fresh basil leaves: 10
- Ice cubes: As needed
Recipe
- Muddle the mint and basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add the gin, lime juice, and sugar syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime.
Cucumber Basil Martini
This cocktail has a refreshing, crisp, and slightly savory taste. The cucumber provides a cool and fresh flavor, while the basil adds a hint of peppery sweetness. The gin gives it a strong, juniper-forward base, and the lime juice adds a touch of tartness.
Read more
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 1
- Fresh basil leaves: 5
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
Recipe
- Muddle the cucumber and basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice or a sprig of basil.
Peach-Basil French 75
The Peach-Basil French 75 is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. The sweetness of the fresh peach juice is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice, while the basil adds a subtle, aromatic complexity. The champagne brings a light, bubbly effervescence that makes this cocktail incredibly refreshing.
Read more
Ingredients
- Peach juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Basil leaves: 3
- Champagne: Top up
Recipe
- Muddle the basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add the peach juice, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
- Top up with champagne.
- Garnish with a peach slice and a basil leaf.
Mango-Basil Bramble
The Mango-Basil Bramble is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. The ripe mango provides a sweet, tropical base, while the lemon juice adds a tangy kick. The basil leaves lend a refreshing, herbaceous note that complements the fruitiness perfectly.
Read more
Ingredients
- Mango puree: 2 oz(60ml)
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Sugar syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Fresh basil leaves: 4-6
- Blackberries for garnish: 2-3
Recipe
- Muddle the basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add the mango puree, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and gin.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the cocktail into an Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with blackberries and a sprig of basil.
Money Rush
The Money Rush cocktail is a complex blend of flavors. It's a strong, vibrant mix with a sweet and slightly herbal undertone. The effervescence from the soda gives it a refreshing kick, perfect for a celebratory toast.
Read more
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Green chartreuse: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Club soda: 2 oz(60ml)
- Mint leaves: 4
- Fresh basil: 2 leaves
Recipe
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add 2oz of gin, 0.5oz of green Chartreuse, 1oz of lime juice, and 0.5oz of simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with 2oz of club soda.
- Gently slap 4 mint leaves and 2 basil leaves to release their aroma and add them to the glass.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or a sprig of mint.
Poison Ivy
The Poison Ivy cocktail offers a tantalizing balance of flavors. It's herbaceous and slightly sweet, with a refreshing citrus tang and a subtle hint of anise from the absinthe. The basil leaves add a fresh aromatic quality that complements the sharpness of the lime juice.
Read more
Ingredients
- Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Absinthe: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Basil leaves: 4
Recipe
- Chill a cocktail glass.
- In a shaker, muddle the basil leaves gently.
- Add the vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and absinthe to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
- Double strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a basil leaf or a lime wheel.
Strawberry Basil Mocktail
This mocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with the ripe strawberries providing a juicy, fruity base complemented by the subtle peppery hint of fresh basil. The addition of lemon juice adds a zesty kick, while the simple syrup rounds out the drink with a touch of sweetness.
Read more
Ingredients
- Strawberries: 4-6
- Fresh basil leaves: 5-6
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Sparkling water: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ice cubes: as needed
- Basil sprig: 1 (for garnish)
- Strawberry slice: 1 (for garnish)
Recipe
- Muddle: In a shaker, gently muddle the strawberries and basil leaves to release their flavors.
- Mix: Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice cubes to the shaker.
- Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain: Double strain into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
- Top Up: Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish: Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and a strawberry slice on the rim of the glass.
Honey Badger
The Honey Badger cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet and herbal flavors, with the honey or agave providing a smooth sweetness that is balanced by the earthy tones of the basil. The Angostura bitters add a layer of complexity with their subtle spice, while the beer brings a refreshing and effervescent quality to the drink, making it both robust and invigorating.
Read more
Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves: 6
- Honey or agave nectar: 2 tsp
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Beer: 8.5 oz(255ml)
- Ice: as needed
Recipe
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass with fresh basil leaves.
- Sweeten: Add 2 teaspoons of honey or agave nectar.
- Bitters: Incorporate 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Mix: Pour in half a cup of beer and stir the mixture gently.
- Ice: Fill the glass with ice to the top.
- Top Off: Add the remaining beer to fill the glass.
- Garnish: Place a basil leaf on top as a garnish.
- Serve: Enjoy the Honey Badger responsibly!
Basilico
The Basilico cocktail is a symphony of flavors, where the sweet and tangy notes of the Pallini Limoncello liqueur meet the aromatic freshness of basil. The vodka provides a clean canvas, allowing the lemon juice and rich sugar syrup to create a balanced, sweet yet slightly sour, and undeniably refreshing taste.
Read more
Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves: 7
- Ketel one vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Pallini limoncello liqueur: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Rich sugar syrup: 1.5 oz(45ml)
Recipe
- Muddle the basil leaves gently in the base of a shaker.
- Add the vodka, limoncello, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of basil.
Didn't find what you were looking for?
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!