Basil Gin and Tonic with Lemon

This Basil Gin and Tonic is made with gin, tonic water, lemon juice, and an easy-to-make basil simple syrup! The fresh basil and lemon bring an extra level of refreshment to the classic G&T. It’s so simple to whip up and makes for an easy batch cocktail for parties and serving crowds. 

Ingredients

Basil – Fresh is an absolute must for this drink, dried will not suffice. 

Gin – Use the gin that YOU like, but I have some recommendations below for the best gins to use if you’re not sure what to choose. 

Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is also a must, bottled will not yield the same kind of flavor. Use a hand squeezer if you’re making just one cocktail, but if you’re making a batch you’re best off using an electric citrus juicer.

Basil simple syrup – Simple syrups are incredibly easy to make and this syrup is no exception. 

Best Gins for G&Ts

In my opinion, choosing a gin for your G&T cocktails is all about personal preference. However, if you’re not sure where to start here are a few options that would be great for a Basil Gin and Tonic:  

London Dry Gins – Think Bombay and Tanqueray. These are classic choices for G&Ts.

Mermaid Zest – This is the one that I used. It is a citrusy gin with notes of rosemary, which pairs perfectly with the herbal flavors of this recipe. 

Teasmith Gin – Made with Ceylon tea, it’s a wonderful addition to any gin cocktail. It is one of my very favorite gins. My Earl Grey Martini and Gin Mojito were made with Teasmith. 

Local distilleries – Many small, independent distilleries produce fantastic gins but don’t have wide distribution. I recommend checking out what you have available nearby. Most distilleries have free or low-cost tastings that often come with a tour so you can see what goes into the making of the gin!

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1: Muddle the basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail glass. Then, add the gin.

Step 2: Add the lemon juice and basil simple syrup. Then, add the ice cubes and top with the tonic water. 

Step 3: Stir well and garnish with a lemon slice and/or fresh basil leaves if desired. 

How to Make Basil Simple Syrup

• Combine equal parts (1 cup each) of water and granulated sugar together. 
• Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until the sugar has dissolved. 
• Remove it from the heat and add the fresh basil leaves. (Do not use dried! Fresh is a must!) 
• Once it is cooled completely, you can remove the leaves and store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. 
• The full details are in the recipe card below. 

How to Make a Big Batch and Make Ahead Tips

You need to multiply the measurements by the number of servings you need. I have included measurements for making 8 servings of this Basil Gin and Tonic in the recipe card notes below to make things easier for you. 

As far as making the cocktail ahead, you can prep some of the drink ahead of time, but I don’t recommend making a batch of the complete cocktail in advance.

• Simply, add your gin and lemon juice and chill in the fridge for up to 1 day in advance.
• Then, when ready to serve, add the basil leaves to the mixture and muddle with a wooden spoon. (If you muddle it too far in advance, it can turn bitter.) 
• Then, top with the tonic water and stir very well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Pour the drink over ice and don’t put ice directly in the pitcher so as not to dilute the drink.