Basil Cucumber Gin Tonic
A sophisticated twist on gin and tonic, featuring fresh basil and cucumber for herbal brightness and cool clarity. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together London dry gin, Tonic water, Fresh basil leaves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 4 oz Tonic water
- 3 Fresh basil leaves
- 1 Cucumber slice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a highball glass, gently press 3 fresh basil leaves and 1 thin cucumber slice against the glass bottom with a muddler to release essential oils without bruising.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz London dry gin and stir for 10 seconds to infuse the flavors into the glass.
- Step 3: Fill with ice, top with 4 oz tonic water, and stir once to combine. Garnish with a thin cucumber ribbon and serve immediately for a crisp, aromatic experience.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Basil Cucumber Gin Tonic take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Basil Cucumber Gin Tonic?
Refrigerate any leftover basil cucumber gin tonic in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Basil Cucumber Gin Tonic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Basil Cucumber Gin Tonic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What should I serve with Basil Cucumber Gin Tonic?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So refreshing, I made it for a party and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this at the BBQ. Easy to make and so flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer gatherings. My guests kept asking for the recipe.
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