Lemon Basil Prawn Collins Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I just love mixing up flavors that feel fresh and a little unexpected. This Lemon Basil Prawn Collins? It totally does that.

You get the bright, citrusy kick of a classic Collins, some fragrant basil, and then, yeah, a savory twist with prawns. It actually goes weirdly well with grilled shrimp or even a simple bruschetta.

It’s a cocktail and a little snack in one—super simple, but it gets people talking.

I wanted something that could work as both a drink and a conversation starter, but without getting fussy. The way lemon, basil, and prawn come together makes it light enough for a hot day, but it’s still got enough going on to stand alone.

You’ll see some handy notes on nutrition, too, so you can sip it without second-guessing.

If you’re hosting friends or just making something for yourself, this cocktail brings together flavors that feel casual but still kinda special. The steps are easy, and the tasting notes should help you get the most out of it.

Lemon Basil Prawn Collins Cocktail Recipe

This one’s a favorite of mine because it brings together citrus, herbs, and a little seafood garnish for something that’s just… refreshing and a bit different. The drink itself is all about balancing gin, lemon, and basil, then topping it off with sparkling soda for a light finish.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to mix up the gin, citrus, and syrup.
• Strainer – Keeps the basil leaves and ice out of the glass (trust me, you want this).
• Jigger – Makes it easy to measure out the gin, lemon juice, and syrup.
• Muddler – I use it to gently press the basil leaves and get those oils out.
• Bar spoon – Just for stirring in the soda water at the end.
• Collins glass or highball glass – Either works, but I’m partial to a tall Collins glass.
• Chopstick or cocktail pick – You’ll need this for the prawn garnish.
• Small knife and cutting board – For slicing up lemon wheels and cucumber.

Ingredients

• 2 oz London dry gin (Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire are all solid choices)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave nectar
• 4–5 fresh basil leaves (Thai basil or lemon basil both work well, if you can get them)
• Club soda, soda water, or sparkling water to top
• 1 lemon wheel for garnish
• 1 small cucumber slice or a thin English cucumber ribbon
• 1 cooked prawn (peeled, tail on) for garnish
• Optional: a few strawberries or a sprig of mint for a little extra aroma

Instructions

• Toss the basil leaves and simple syrup into the shaker, then muddle them gently.
• Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and a handful of ice cubes.
• Shake it up for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain everything into a Collins glass packed with ice.
• Top up with club soda or sparkling water, and give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
• Garnish it with a lemon wheel, cucumber slice, and that prawn on a chopstick or cocktail pick.
• Serve it while it’s still cold and fizzy—don’t let it sit around.

Notes

I’ve found that muddling the basil just a little is best. If you smash it too hard, the drink can go a bit bitter.

Fresh lemon juice is a must—bottled stuff just doesn’t taste as clean.

Sometimes I swap gin for vodka if I want something softer. If you’re after a sweeter drink, just add a bit more agave nectar.

Cucumber as a garnish keeps it fresh, and mint or strawberries add a tiny twist without messing with the main flavor.

Personally, I go for soda water instead of tonic—it keeps things crisp and avoids that extra bitterness. And yeah, a tall glass really does help the bubbles stick around, so your drink stays refreshing.

Tasting Notes

Right off the bat, I get this bright burst of citrus and a hint of herbs. The lemon’s got a crisp edge, and then the basil sneaks in with this soft, green vibe that just makes everything feel super fresh.

Then there’s the prawn garnish—kind of unexpected, honestly. It adds this light savory thing that somehow balances out the drink’s sweetness, and now it doesn’t feel like your usual Tom Collins at all.

As a summer drink, it’s light, honestly just easy to keep sipping. Those bubbles from the soda water? They keep it lively, and the flavors stay refreshing the whole way through.

I really think the mix of sweet, sour, and herbal notes works here. It kind of reminds me of a refreshing cocktail you’d want for a laid-back afternoon or maybe just a small hangout with friends.