Basil Gimlet

Refreshing and tasty sums up this Basil Gimlet that features gin, muddled basil and fresh squeezed lime juice. Give it a try!

This year we are kicking off our summer cocktail series with this Basil Gimlet. Yes, you heard right! There’s fresh basil, combined with fresh lime juice and gin in this drink. Sounds crazy, right? That’s what I thought! But the basil gives this drink a nice, fresh, peppery flavor that pairs fantastically with the gin and lime juice. Trust me it’s a winner and a perfect drink to start off the summer!

The history of the gimlet

There is a colorful history to the Gimlet. As with so many classic cocktails it goes back to the military and sailors. One commonly accepted theory to the origin is that Dr. Thomas Gimlette, Rear Admiral, prescribe it for officers in the navy to ward of scurvy. They combined lime juice with their daily ration of gin. Another plausible theory is that it was named after the hand tool that was used to bore into barrels of spirits on Navy ships – a gimlet. Either way a great cocktail was born.

So when your basil plant is getting big and you need to use some of it up why not try a Basil Gimlet?

What gin should I use?

Since there are so few ingredients in this cocktail, the better the quality of the gin the better the drink will be. Try to go for a middle price point and stay away from the low end gins for this drink. We like Bombay Sapphire as a go to for this.

What type of glass is a gimlet served in?

A classic Gimlet is usually served in a coup glass, similar to a martini glass just rounded instead of cone shaped. If you don’t have a coup glass a martini glass is a perfect alternative.

Basil Gimlet-Ingredients

• 3 oz gin
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
• 3-4 fresh basil leaves
• 1 basil sprig (for garnish)

Instructions

This is a simple twist on the classic Gimlet. Adding fresh basil rounds out the flavors and gives a hint of herb nose and flavor to an already terrific cocktail.

• Place Basil and simple syrup in shake and gently muddle the basil
• Add Gin, lime juice and ice to shaker and shake
• Pour into coup or martini glass, garnish with basil and enjoy!

If you don’t have a muddler, no worries, a simple wooden spoon will do!

For other great summer cocktails try:

The Classic Daiquiri

Classic Mojito Cocktail

Classic Mint Julep

Southside Cocktail

Tom Collins Cocktail