Enjoy the best basil cocktail with this easy basil vodka gimlet recipe made with lime juice, vodka, a touch of sweetness, and fresh basil for a perfectly refreshing drink!
A classic gimlet will never go out of style because three simple ingredients – vodka or gin, lime juice, and simple syrup – create the perfect trifecta of sensational flavors.
However, sometimes it’s good to take it up a notch! Using fresh basil in your cocktails adds a clean, bright taste to seamlessly compliment the sweet and tart taste. Learn how to make a basil vodka gimlet, and you may never go back to the original!
WHAT IS A GIMLET?
A Gimlet is a cocktail made up traditionally of gin, lime juice, and a sweetener of choice, such as simple syrup. Gimlets can have variations, however.
Substitute vodka for the gin, use Rose’s Lime for flavoring, or add flavor infusions, such as basil, berries, or cucumbers.
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How To Make Basil Vodka Gimlet Cocktail recipe
Only four basic ingredients are needed for the best basil cocktail – vodka, lime, simple syrup, and fresh basil.
Simple syrup can be bought, but save yourself the money with virtually no effort! Simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a microwave safe container and heat until the sugar dissolves.
To make this cocktail…
- Add lime juice, simple syrup, and 8-10 fresh basil leaves to cocktail shaker.
- Use a muddler or fork to crush the basil and release the flavor.
- Add the vodka, ice, and shake vigorously to combine.
- Strain into a rocks filled glass or into a chilled martini glass for a straight up version.
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Frequently asked QUESTIONS:
How do I make Simple Syrup?
- Method 1: Place equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. For instance, if you use 1/2 cup water, mix in 1/2 cup sugar. Heat and stir occasionally until sugar has dissolved and liquid is clear. Cool.
- Method 2: Place equal parts sugar and water in a microwave safe cup or bowl. Heat in microwave, stopping occasionally to stir until sugar has dissolved and liquid is clear. Cool.
Store leftover simple syrup in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator up to six weeks.
Can I serve this on the rocks or straight up?
This cocktail may be made be enjoyed either way. Straight up, strained into a martini glass, gives a cleaner taste without diluting the flavor.
If you are concerned about the strength, make it in a rocks glass with ice. As the drink is enjoyed, the ice melts slightly into the cocktail for a less pungent flavor.
Can I use gin in a basil cocktail?
Yes. Make this basil cocktail recipe with vodka or gin. For a delicious gin version, try a Gin Basil Smash.
What is the best Lime Juice to use?
A basil vodka gimlet tastes best with fresh lime juice. The recipe calls for 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, which equals 2 tablespoons or about 1/2 of a freshly squeezed lime.
If you’d rather use Rose’s lime juice, adjust the simple syrup. Rose’s Lime Cordial contains a sweetener, so omit or reduce the simple syrup amount to avoid an overly sweet cocktail.
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additions / modifications for a basil vodka gimlet
- Cucumber: Muddle a few slices of cucumber in the bottom of the cocktail shaker with the basil.
- Blackberry: Add 3 fresh blackberries with the basil, lime juice, and simple syrup when muddling.
- Gin Sour: Substituted lemon juice for the the lime.
- French Gimlet: Omit the simple syrup and replace with elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain.
Love a vodka cocktail? Try these as well!
- Colorado Bulldog
- Blueberry Moscow Mule
- Blackberry Martini
- Sparkling Vodka Grapefruit Cocktail
- Best Vodka Lemonade
SAVE THIS BASIL VODKA GIMLET TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD!
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Basil Vodka Gimlet Cocktail
Ingredients
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup,, see recipe notes
- 2 ounces vodka
- for garnish: lime wedges and/or fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Add fresh basil leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or fork to crush the basil and release the flavor.
- Add the vodka, ice, and shake vigorously to combine. Strain into a rocks filled glass or into a chilled martini glass for a straight up version.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedge and basil, if desired.
Notes
How to Make Simple Syrup
Combine equal parts water and sugar and heat either on the stove or in the microwave until sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is no longer cloudy. Cool before using.additions / modifications for a basil vodka gimlet
- Cucumber: Muddle a few slices of cucumber in the bottom of the cocktail shaker with the basil.
- Blackberry: Add 3 fresh blackberries with the basil, lime juice, and simple syrup when muddling.
- Gin Sour: Substituted lemon juice for the the lime.
- French Gimlet: Omit the simple syrup and replace with elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain.
Classic gimlet cocktail recipe
- Add 2 ounces gin or vodka, 1 ounce simple syrup, 1 ounce lime juice to a ice filled cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a rocks filled glass or into a chilled martini glass for a straight up version.
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This post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full disclosure policy here.
This is very, very good! Love the lime and basil together. It’s a lovely pamper-yourself treat.
Thank you, appreciate it!
Nice formulas, let the drinking begin. 🙂
Amen!