Basil Vodka Gimlet: Summer in a Glass

Do you love summer as much as I do? I’m looking forward to summer entertaining, and this cocktail is the perfect thing to serve. 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 is actually unseasonably warm for this early in the season. To be honest, I’m a little ready for it anyway, as all of June and May are pretty gloomy and gray here.

Summer is one of my absolute favorite seasons – I look forward to it all year. 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 typically made with 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. 😉

Yield: 6 drinks

Basil Vodka Gimlet

4.6 Stars (19 Reviews)

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A fun twist on a regular gimlet cocktail, this Basil Vodka Gimlet has a bright clean flavor profile, perfect for summer!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

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

1. 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 mocktail or lemonade, 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

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more summer recipes and entertaining ideas below:

Watermelon Mojito Recipe

How to Host a Summer Wine & Cheese Party

Easy Red Wine Sangria

How to Host an Easy & Delicious Summer Grilling Night