Bright Basil Gin Sour
A refreshing gin sour elevated with fresh basil for herbal brightness balanced by tart lemon and a touch of sweetness. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) 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 160 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 gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 5 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 egg white (optional)
- 1 for garnish basil sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 5 fresh basil leaves with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release herbal oils.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 egg white (if using) to the shaker without ice.
- Step 3: Perform a dry shake (shake vigorously without ice) for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and basil.
- Step 4: Add ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway, then shake vigorously for another 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Step 5: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 6: Garnish by lightly bruising 1 basil sprig between your hands to release aroma and place it gently on top of the foam.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bright Basil Gin Sour take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Bright Basil Gin Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover bright basil gin sour 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 Bright Basil Gin Sour?
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 Bright Basil Gin Sour 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 goes well with Bright Basil Gin Sour?
Cocktails & Beverages cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
