Citrus Basil Gimlet
A refined gimlet with fresh basil and citrus that elevates classic flavors to a new level of crispness and aroma. This cocktails & drinks-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes blends gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup into a quick blender drink — a fast breakfast, a pre-workout pour, or an afternoon energy boost, with nothing to wash up but the pitcher. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works as a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-gym refuel, or a snack that holds you to the next meal. 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 lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 for garnish basil sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 6 fresh basil leaves in a shaker and gently muddle to release their oils.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup, then fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels very cold.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove basil bits.
- Step 5: Garnish by placing a fresh basil sprig upright in the glass for aroma and visual contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Basil Gimlet take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Almost all of that is prep — once everything is in the blender it is under a minute to smooth. Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead so mornings are just dump-and-blend.
How do I store leftover Citrus Basil Gimlet?
Smoothies are best within a few minutes of blending, but they keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours — fill it to the top so there is no air gap and shake before drinking, since separation is normal. For longer storage, freeze in an ice-cube tray and re-blend with a splash of liquid. Never reheat.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Basil Gimlet?
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 Basil Gimlet 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 Basil Gimlet?
Cocktails & Drinks quick meals 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.
