Refreshing and vibrant, this blueberry basil vodka cocktail brings a unique twist to summer entertaining. Fresh muddled blueberries and aromatic basil leaves create a beautiful purple drink that looks as good as it tastes.

This simple recipe combines sweet blueberries, fresh basil, vodka, and a splash of lime juice to make an elegant cocktail in under 5 minutes. The natural sweetness of the berries balances perfectly with the herbal notes, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings.

These cocktails work great for parties since you can prep the blueberry-basil mixture ahead of time. Just add the vodka and ice when ready to serve. The recipe makes enough for 4-6 drinks.

Blueberry Basil Vodka Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing cocktail combines sweet blueberries, fresh basil, and smooth vodka for a perfect summer drink. The mix creates a beautiful purple color with a balance of sweet and herbal notes.

John

Prep Time 8

Total Time 8

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 oz premium vodka
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
4-5 fresh basil leaves
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Club soda
Extra blueberries and basil for garnish

Instructions

Add blueberries and basil leaves to the shaker.
Muddle gently until the blueberries release their juice and the basil releases its oils.

Pour in the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15-20 seconds.
Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.

Double strain the mixture into the glass to remove any berry pieces.
Top with club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with fresh blueberries and a basil leaf.

Notes

The drink can be made ahead of time except for the club soda. Store the mixed ingredients in the fridge for up to 4 hours.

For a stronger basil flavor, let the leaves sit in the vodka for 30 minutes before mixing.

Frozen blueberries work well as a substitute when fresh ones aren’t available.

The simple syrup amount can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the blueberries.

Tasting Notes

This fresh cocktail opens with bright blueberry aromas mixed with subtle herbal notes from the basil. The scent is clean and crisp, like a summer garden.

The first sip brings a sweet berry flavor that mingles with the smooth vodka base. Fresh basil adds an aromatic touch that balances the fruit perfectly.

Key Flavor Components:

Sweet blueberry
Fresh garden basil
Clean vodka
Light citrus finish

The texture is silky and refreshing. Ice dilution creates the ideal balance, while a gentle stir maintains the drink’s essential flavors.

A citrus finish cleanses the palate, making each sip as enjoyable as the first. The basil leaves a pleasant herbal aftertaste that doesn’t overpower the other elements.

Temperature plays an important role – serve this cocktail very cold for the best taste experience. The flavors become more pronounced as the drink slowly warms.

The drink maintains its berry-forward profile throughout, making it appealing to both vodka enthusiasts and those who prefer fruity cocktails.

Substitutes

You can swap ingredients in this cocktail to match what you have or meet dietary needs. Fresh blackberries work well in place of blueberries. They add a similar sweet-tart flavor.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with club soda or ginger ale. This creates a refreshing mocktail that keeps the fruity-herbal taste.

If fresh basil isn’t available, mint makes a good stand-in. The mint pairs nicely with both blueberries and vodka.

Frozen blueberries can replace fresh ones. Let them thaw first and drain any excess liquid before muddling. They’ll give the same purple color and berry taste.

Alternative Spirit Options:

Gin
White rum
Light tequila

Alternative Mixers:

The basic recipe stays the same with these swaps. Mix the new ingredients in the same amounts as the original recipe calls for.

Blueberry Basil Vodka Cocktail Recipe