The perfect summer cocktail: the Basil Gin Sour! Fresh squeezed lemon juice and gin are mixed with a homemade basil simple syrup which offers an herby twist on this classic drink. Make a big batch for your next summer soirée – this is one to cheers over!
Sweet, sweet summertime.
Be still, my heart.
I know you can relate, too. Summer evokes nostalgic memories for me, transporting me back to:
- Sunny afternoons in my parent’s 85 degree pool, where the incessant buzz of cicadas offers the only other noise aside from the soft splashing of the waves.
- Impossibly long afternoons filled with bike rides by the river, stopping only to take in the views of a stunning bluff overlook.
- The slight chill that occurs when the sun slips below the tree line, offering partial relief from the sweltering heat – with the other part of that relief coming from an ice cold beverage.
Yes, friends: summer is the unequivocal key to sentimental reflection.
In addition to illustration I’ve painted above, you want to know what else summer reminds me of?
GIN.
YEP! Gin. Summer marks Gin Season in my book, and it’s a delicious one to say the least.
Shall we keep going down this winding path of summers past?
Basil also reminds me of summer. I always have copious amounts growing in my garden, so there’s never a shortage. And there are ALWAYS ways to include the licorice flavored herb in any and ALL things I eat or drink.
Meet the Basil Gin Sour.
She’s a beaut, right?!
The sharpness of the gin is softened with a light basil simple syrup, and brightened up with fresh lemon juice.
Go ahead, take a sip. It’s like summer just kissed ya.
The handy servings adjuster in the recipe below allows you to scale this recipe, whether you’re making a cocktail for one (cheers to you!), or for a crew of 15.
Damn, you’re a good host. When should I be over?
Tart, sweet, herby, and smooth. All things a good summer cocktail should be. 
Cheers!
Basil Gin Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1.5 oz lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1/2 oz Basil Simple Syrup Recipe Follows
For the basil simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
Instructions
For the basil simple syrup:
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Swirl occasionally, until star is dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Add basil leaves to simple syrup, allowing to steep until thoroughly cooled. Feel free to leave the basil leaves in the mixture and refrigerate up to 8 hours before removing basil. Note that the syrup will be pretty potent!
To make 1 drink:
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake thoroughly until combined.
- Pour in to. chilled coup glass. Garnish with basil flowers or fresh basil leaves.