Since yesterday’s post was all about pesto, I thought it fitting that today’s cocktail contain basil as well. Hence I made a basil gimlet. Traditional gimlets are made of gin, lime and simple syrup, shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass. They’re similar to gin martinis, but with lime juice instead of vermouth. In my twist on a traditional gimlet, I added basil and substituted agave nectar for simple syrup.
The basil gimlet is very similar to my first summer cocktail, the beautiful red bell, but contains more lime juice and basil in place of the red bell pepper. Both are delightful, but I do think the red bell pepper adds a special sweet flavor and a pretty color. While basil and red pepper are in season, why not give them both a try?
More Fresh Gin Cocktails to Enjoy
PrintBasil Gimlet
- Author:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
This delicious basil gimlet recipe is refreshing and herbal. It’s a strong cocktail that is just perfect for slow summer sipping.
Ingredients
Per gimlet
- 8 medium basil leaves
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 to 2 teaspoons agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, gently muddle the basil leaves.
- Add lime juice, agave nectar and gin.
- Fill with ice, securely fasten the lid and shake well.
- Strain into a martini glass.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Scott Beattie’s Live Basil Gimlet (The New York Times).
▸ Nutrition Information
As summer turns to fall, my summer cocktail series must come to an end. Today certainly feels like one of the first days of fall; I’m huddled under a blanket next to Cookie, listening to cars run through puddles outside, and icy cold, fruity drinks don’t sound quite so appealing. I think today’s gimlet, my tenth summer cocktail, will be the last of the series.
I have several ideas for fall-themed cocktails that I’ll share as the weather gets cooler! What is your cold weather drink of choice?
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Maria @ A Platter of
This is different. I don’t think I’ve ever had a gimlet. Looks delicious, though
Katrina
This sounds fantastic!
Kelsey
Oh thank you for this! My husband and I enjoyed basil gimlets the night before we got engaged. I can’t wait to surprise him with one of these!
Stephanie
Just made this! I’m sipping on it right now! So good. Perfect way to enjoy the last of summer basil. Thanks
Kate
Thanks, Stephanie! I’m glad you enjoyed the gimlet. I didn’t get much of a response on this recipe when I posted it, so your comment is redeeming! I knew it was good. :)
Susannah
Boyfriend just made this and OMG it’s so delicious. And easy to make! (Especially from where I’m sitting :)) Thank you for this one!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Susannah! Enjoy.
Anna Lisa
I don’t know why it’s taken me this long to review this. I have been in love with this cocktail for years, a summer must. I regularly serve it at my annual Midsommar party, a crowd favorite! Thank youuuuuu, love the fresh herbal flavor. I look forward to this every year come basil season!
★★★★★
Annie Munson
First and most importantly, I love this blog! It’s really helped since my 5-year old decided to become a vegetarian last year.
I like a tart cocktail, but this was too tart for me. Maybe if I’d hand squeezed the lime instead of using a hand-held squeezer it would have worked better? It’d be helpful to have a more exact measurement.
Thank you!
★★★