Basil Vodka Gimlet: Summer in a Glass!
Do you love summer as much as I do? I’m looking forward to the start of some entertaining, and this cocktail is the perfect summer cocktail. This Basil Vodka Gimlet is literally summer-in-a-glass!
Has summer arrived where you are?! ‘Cause it’s certainly arrived here! For the last few days we’ve been in the 90°s, which in June is actually unseasonably warm here. If you’re not familiar with California weather, we have what’s known as ‘June Gloom’ for most of the month. Super cool temps, with gray skies and even misty mornings.
But since this year seems noticeably different, I’m going with it!
To be honest, I’m a little ready for it anyway. Summer is one of my absolute favorite seasons. I love the feeling of freedom, the lingering nights over dinner outside, days at the beach with salt in my hair and sand in my toes.
So this weekend, we’re having some friends over and I’m serving what is probably my favorite cocktail of all time!
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This drink is based on a standard Vodka Gimlet, which is usually Rose’s Lime Juice (or fresh, if you’re lucky), simple syrup and vodka. However, this one infuses that simple syrup with basil. And it’s pure genius!
The basil really adds a fresh note to the simple syrup, elevating this from a tasty drink to a truly delicious cocktail!
You might think I’m overstating it, but I assure you, I’m not! In fact, beware because this drink is truly dangerous ~ it’s easy to drink 2 (or 3)! 😉
This cocktail is just hands-down delicious. I’ve been serving it for about 5 or 6 years now and I have yet to have anyone not rave about it. Even those friends who say they only like beer or wine, this one wins them over. 😉
Basil Vodka Gimlet
A fun twist on a regular gimlet cocktail, this Basil Vodka Gimlet has a bright clean flavor profile, perfect for summer!
Ingredients
- 1 cup basil simple syrup
- 3/4 cup vodka
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Garnish: fresh basil sprigs, lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients in a pitcher until cold, then strain into glasses half filled with ice. Garnish with basil sprigs and/or lemon wedges.
* To make basil simple syrup, stir together 4 cups lightly packed basil leaves, 4 cups water, and 2 cups sugar. Bring all ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let stand at room temperature, covered, for 1 hour. Strain out basil through a sieve into a bowl, pressing hard and then discarding solids. *Syrup keeps, covered and chilled, 5 days.
Also, if you want to make this as a lemonade of mocktail, you can use the basil simple syrup that way. Simply mix water, syrup and fresh squeezed lemon juice in a 2-2-1 ratio. Pour over ice!
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Happy Summer!
Sheila
xo
Today I’m joined by some of my blogging friends who are also sharing their summer drink recipes with you!
Delicious Mint Lemonade – This is Simplicite
Best Skinny Margaritas – Rooms FOR Rent
Summer Rum Punch – The Handmade Home
Basil Vodka Gimlet – Maison de Cinq
Sugar Free Raspberry Syrup Gin Soda Cocktail – The Happy Housie
Salty Dog Grapefruit Cocktail – Jenna Kate at Home
Blueberry Lemon Summer Cocktail – My 100 Year Old Home
Easy Summer Cocktail Recipe – Modern Glam
Simple Mojito Recipe – Inspiration for Moms
Summer Tropical Berry Slushie – Cassie Bustamante
How to Make Whipped Coffee – She Gave it a Go
Avocado Banana Smoothie – Dans le Lakehouse
Coconut Milkshake – Life is a Party
Lemonade Float Bar – Clean & Scentsible
Peach Ice Tea – Paint Me Pink
Peach Lemonade Spritzer – Nick and Alicia
Kitchen Bar & Free Margaritas – My Sweet Savannah
Strawberry Lemon Tea with a Hint of Mint – Amber Tysl
Summer Beer-Ritas – This is Our Bliss
Bourbon Mint Lemonade Cocktail – Satori Design for Living
Coconut Banana Keto Smoothie – Setting for Four
Summer Sangria Slush – A Pretty Life
Refreshing Paloma Cocktails – Finding Silver Pennies
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more summer recipes and entertaining ideas below:
Shiela, this basil vodka gimlet looks like it could be the perfect cocktail to kick-off summer!
Well, I know I’d vote for it for sure! It’s so delish – hope you try it Norma!
Sheila
xo
This sounds so refreshing. I love basil. It always reminds me of summer. 😉
Thanks Danielle – I feel the same way! That’s why I call it Summer-in-a-Glass! 😉
Sheila
xo
Chris and my dad both love a gimlet- saving this for them!
Yay! I’m telling you, they will love it!!
Sheila
xo