The Basil Vodka Gimlet is a supremely refreshing warm weather cocktail.
This Basil Vodka Gimlet takes a classic cocktail (usually made with gin) and turns it on its head. Basil vodka is flavorful and refreshing, and makes this drink perfect for summertime sipping.

Have you ever had a Gimlet?
Gimlets are a classic cocktail. They're typically made with gin or vodka, sweetened lime juice (here's a good one), and soda water.
Our friend Melissa turned us on to them (she prefers the vodka variety). She makes a kickass gimlet. Since we don't get to see Melissa all that often anymore (alas, she and her husband live in Florida, we live in North Carolina), I had to take the gimlet-making into my own hands.
Though the original method is undeniably good (so refreshing!), I decided to make a very summery version.
Basil + lime = <3
And really, what says "summer" more than fresh basil? Maybe some bright and fresh lime juice?
The flavors of basil and lime are really are so, so good together. I don't think that basil and lime get to play together very often. Or not nearly as often as they should, in my opinion. Though I did just come across this basil and lime hummus recipe. Intriguing.
Despite this, they really are great together in this recipe. Both are bright and fresh.
How does this cocktail come together?
Remember the Basil Infused Vodka that I shared with you not that long ago? This cocktail makes excellent use of it!
Simply combine some of that vodka, a bit of simple syrup (preferably homemade--it's so easy!), and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake until very cold, and strain into a rocks glass with ice.
Make sure to garnish with some more fresh basil, too! Not only does it look pretty, but the extra basil aroma when you take a sip is really nice.
Spring and summertime basil is 10/10 in this drink
Make sure to take advantage of the abundance of fresh herbs during the warmer months by making one of these gimlets. These drinks will keep you satisfied (and a little tipsy) all summer long!
What equipment should I have on hand in order to make this drink?
- A jigger for measuring the vodka etc.
- A cocktail shaker
- Rocks glasses
- Paper straws are not mandatory, but they're cute
✨ Recipe
Basil Vodka Gimlet
Ingredients
- 2 oz basil-infused vodka see notes
- 1 oz simple syrup see notes
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Add the basil-infused vodka, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.
- Shake until very cold and strain into a rocks glass with ice.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
Looking for other refreshing cocktails?
- Grapefruit Rosemary Gimlet
- The Palace Cafe Cocktail (uses rosemary infused vodka!)
- Grilled Mezcal Margaritas
- Strawberry Basil Vodka Collins (uses basil infused vodka!)
Christine @ Happy Veggie Kitchen
I LOVE herbs in cocktails and this looks incredible. We are full swing with a heatwave in London right now and I sooo need to make this over the weekend. Thanks for sharing!
laurenpacek
I love herbs in cocktails, too!! I hope you love it as much as I do =)
Christine @ Happy Veggie Kitchen
I LOVE herbs in cocktails and this looks incredible. We are full swing with a heatwave in London right now and I sooo need to make this over the weekend. Thanks for sharing!
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Tommy
This is so damn tasty! Thanks for posting this. 😀
laurenpacek
So glad you enjoyed it, Tommy!