Gin Basil Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

Nothing really beats a cool drink on a warm day, right? This gin basil lemonade cocktail somehow makes every sip feel extra fresh and bright. I love how the crisp gin mixes with tart lemon and that light, herbal pop from basil. Here’s a simple recipe that shows you how to whip up a balanced summer cocktail that’s honestly refreshing and not at all fussy.

You don’t need any fancy gear or weird ingredients to pull this off. With a few fresh things and a quick shake, you’ll have a drink that looks and tastes like something you’d get on a café patio.

The blend of citrus and herbs keeps it light, so it’s perfect for lazy afternoons or just hanging out with friends.

Let’s get into the ingredients, the quick steps to mix them, and what kind of flavors you can expect when you take that first sip.

Gin Basil Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

I love how this drink brings together the crisp taste of gin, the brightness of lemon, and that herbal note from basil. It’s light, fresh, and honestly pretty easy to make at home with just a couple of tools and ingredients.

Equipment

I grab a few basic bar tools before I start. Each one helps me mix the drink smoothly and get just the right chill.

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to mix and chill everything evenly.
• Muddler – Helps me press the basil leaves and get those oils out.
• Jigger – I measure the gin, lemon juice, and syrup so I don’t overdo it.
• Strainer – Keeps basil bits and ice out of my glass.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh lemon juice just tastes better, so this comes in handy.
• Mixing glass – Sometimes I stir instead of shake, depending on my mood.
• Serving glass – Highball or rocks glass, either works for this.

I keep everything close so I don’t lose momentum or make a mess.

Ingredients

I stick to fresh, balanced ingredients. The flavor really depends on what you use.

• 2 oz gin – I go for a dry gin for that crisp base.
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice – Brings brightness and acidity.
• ¾ oz simple syrup – Just equal parts sugar and water.
• 4–5 fresh basil leaves – Sometimes I try Thai basil for a bit more spice.
• Ice cubes – For shaking and serving, of course.
• Lemon wheel or basil sprig – Totally optional, but it looks nice.

If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll top it with sparkling water for a little fizz.

Instructions

I make this drink step by step to keep everything balanced and tasting fresh.

• Toss the basil leaves into the shaker and muddle them gently to get that aroma going.
• Pour in gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake it for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain the mix into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
• Finish it off with a basil sprig or lemon wheel if you want.

I’ll taste as I go, sometimes tweaking the syrup or lemon juice if I want it a little sweeter or more tart.

Notes

I’ve noticed that if I muddle the basil too hard, it can taste bitter, so I try to press it just enough. Using Thai basil gives the drink a peppery twist, while sweet basil keeps things milder.

If I’m making a batch, I mix the lemon juice and syrup ahead, then add the gin when I’m ready to serve. Chilling the glasses helps keep everything cold longer.

This cocktail just works for warm days or casual evenings when I want something simple but full of flavor.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? It’s bright and crisp—almost like someone gave a classic gin and tonic a lighter, fresher twist.

The gin’s botanicals jump out right away, but then the fresh basil steps in and smooths things over with a mellow, herbal vibe.

I get a gentle tartness from the homemade lemonade. It balances out the gin’s dryness, and honestly, it never gets too sweet.

There’s something about the basil aroma that just hangs around after each sip. If you use dried basil instead of fresh, the drink shifts a bit—there’s a more earthy undertone.

It kind of reminds me of a gin basil smash, but the lemonade softens everything and makes it ridiculously easy to drink, especially if it’s warm out.

The combo of citrus, herbs, and gin keeps things simple, but it still feels pretty balanced.

Flavor highlights:

• Citrus: bright lemon with light acidity
• Herbal: gentle basil aroma
• Spirit: smooth gin with subtle juniper
• Sweetness: mild and natural from the lemonade