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–+ servings
Cocktail sitting on a pink surface with a lemon half and fresh basil leaves in the background.

Basil Gin and Tonic Recipe

Melissa
Made with gin, tonic water, lemon juice, and an easy-to-make basil simple syrup, this gin and tonic recipe brings an extra level of refreshment to the classic cocktail.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Happy Hour
Cuisine British
Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients
  

  • 2 -3 leaves fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce lemon juice
  • ½ ounce basil simple syrup (see notes for how to make)
  • 3 -4 ounces tonic water

Instructions
 

  • Muddle the basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail glass gently with a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon.
  • Add the gin, lemon juice, and basil simple syrup. Then, add the ice cubes.
  • Top with tonic water. Gently stir and garnish with extra basil if desired.

Notes

How to Make Basil Simple Syrup
Ingredients
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh basil, loosely packed
Instructions 
  1. Combine the water and sugar and heat over the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir every so often to help dissolve the sugar.
  2. Once it’s fully dissolved, remove from heat and add the fresh basil leaves.
  3. Allow the syrup to completely cool, remove the basil leaves, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.
To make a batch of 8:
  • 16-24 leaves basil (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2 cups gin
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • ½ cup basil simple syrup 
  • 3-4 cups tonic water (24-32 ounces)
Instructions for a batch:
If serving immediately, muddle the basil in the bottom of a large pitcher. Add the gin, lemon juice, basil syrup, and tonic water. Stir well and pour over ice in cocktail glasses.
If not serving right away, prep ahead by adding your gin and lemon juice and chill in the fridge for up to 1 day in advance. When ready to serve, add the basil leaves to the mixture and muddle with a wooden spoon. (If you muddle the basil too far in advance, it can turn bitter.) Then, top with the tonic water and stir very well. Serve in cocktail glasses filled with ice and garnished if desired.
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Nutrition

Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 22mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 54IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg
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