Citrus and Herb-Infused Gin Cocktail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing gin cocktail where the spirit imbibes fresh citrus and herb aromatics, delivering a balanced and uplifting drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 6 fresh basil leaves gently to release their aroma.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup to the shaker along with 1 cup ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to imbibe the herb and citrus flavors into the gin.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into a chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 1 slice of lemon wheel on the rim and serve immediately for a refreshing citrus-herb experience.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus and Herb-Infused Gin Cocktail 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 Citrus and Herb-Infused Gin Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover citrus and herb-infused gin cocktail 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 Citrus and Herb-Infused Gin Cocktail?

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 Citrus and Herb-Infused Gin Cocktail 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 Citrus and Herb-Infused Gin Cocktail?

General 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.