Cocktails with basil: 5 refreshing recipes for unique moments of pleasure

When basil meets cocktails, magic happens

A balmy summer evening, the sun bathes the sky in warm gold, your friends are gathered around, laughter fills the air – and in your hand you hold an ice-cold cocktail garnished with fresh basil.

Basil is more than just a spice for pizza and pasta – it gives cocktails a special, aromatic freshness that dances on the tongue and reminds you of a Mediterranean vacation with every sip. Whether with gin, rum, Lillet, or as a refreshing mocktail, here are five basil cocktails you should definitely try.

1. Gin Basil Smash – The green classic among cocktails

A refreshing cocktail that strikes the perfect balance between herbal and fresh with its intense basil aroma and a hint of citrus.

Ingredients

• 6–8 fresh basil leaves
• 50 ml gin
• 25 ml lemon juice
• 20 ml sugar syrup
• Ice

Preparation

1. Lightly crush the basil in a cocktail shaker to release the essential oils.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then shake vigorously with ice cubes.
3. Strain through a fine sieve into a copper mug or tumbler filled with ice. Garnish with a basil leaf.

2. Basil Mojito – An exotic reinterpretation

A refreshing combination of classic mojito and spicy basil that makes you long for summer and sunshine.

Ingredients

• 6 basil leaves
• 6 mint leaves
• 50 ml white rum
• 25 ml lime juice
• 20 ml sugar syrup
• Soda water
• Crushed ice

Preparation

1. Lightly crush the basil, mint, lime juice, and sugar syrup in a glass with a pestle.
2. Add the rum and crushed ice and stir well with a bar spoon.
3. Top up with soda water and garnish with basil and a slice of lime.

3. Lillet Basil Spritz – Summery, light, and elegant

Perfect for balmy evenings, sparklingly fresh with the distinctive taste of basil.

Ingredients

• 50 ml Lillet Blanc
• 100 ml tonic water
• 3–4 fresh basil leaves
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slice for decoration

Preparation

1. Lightly crush the basil and place in a cocktail glass filled with ice cubes.
2. Add the Lillet Blanc and tonic water and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a slice of lemon and basil.

4. Strawberry Basil Fizz (non-alcoholic) – Fruity and refreshing

A mocktail with full flavor and a sparkling lightness – perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 fresh strawberries
• 6 basil leaves
• 20 ml lemon juice
• 20 ml sugar syrup
• 100 ml sparkling mineral water
• Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Mash the strawberries and basil in a shaker.
2. Add the lemon juice and sugar syrup and shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice, top up with mineral water, garnish with strawberry and basil and serve with a straw.

5. Spicy Basil Margarita – Spicy meets herbal

An exciting variation on the classic with a spicy twist.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml tequila
• 25 ml lime juice
• 20 ml agave syrup
• 1 small chili pepper
• 6 basil leaves
• Salt rim on the glass
• Ice cubes

Preparation

1. Cut the chili pepper in half and place in a shaker with the basil, crushing lightly.
2. Add the tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup, and shake vigorously.
3. Strain through a sieve into a copper mug filled with salt and ice.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about basil cocktails

Which type of basil is best for cocktails?

Fresh Genovese basil or Thai basil are best for a spicy, slightly aniseed flavor.

1. Can I also use basil for non-alcoholic cocktails? Absolutely! Basil adds freshness to mocktails and goes perfectly with lemon juice, berries, or ginger.
2. What is the best way to store basil so that it stays fresh? Basil is best kept in a glass of water or wrapped in a damp kitchen towel in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze basil? Yes! It's best to freeze it in small portions with a little water or oil in ice cube trays.
4. Why does my basil cocktail sometimes taste bitter? Crushing it too much can release bitter compounds. It's best to just press the leaves lightly.
5. Which spirits go particularly well with basil? Gin, rum, tequila, and Lillet are excellent choices. Basil adds a fresh, spicy note that enhances many drinks.

Conclusion – A basil cocktail is more than just a drink, it's an experience!

A basil cocktail is more than just a drink – it's an invitation to enjoy the moment, indulge your senses and be inspired by flavors. Whether classic with gin, tangy with Lillet or excitingly spicy with tequila – the possibilities are endless.

Imagine sitting with your best friends, a basil cocktail in a shiny copper mug in your hand, the aroma of fresh herbs in the air. This isn't just a drink – it's a way of life.

So grab your favorite recipe, give it a try, and enjoy the moment!