Citrus Basil Gimlet Shake
A refreshing gimlet variation combining fresh lime and grapefruit juices with fragrant basil for a bright, herbaceous sip. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together gin, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit 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 140 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 lime juice
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 3/4 oz basil simple syrup
- 3 leaves fresh basil leaves
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 for garnish basil sprig
- 1 for garnish lime wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly slap 3 fresh basil leaves between your palms to release aroma and add them to a cocktail shaker.
- Step 2: Pour in 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and 3/4 oz basil simple syrup.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels cold and frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to remove basil bits and ice shards.
- Step 5: Garnish by placing a fresh basil sprig upright in the glass and float a thin lime wheel on the surface.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Basil Gimlet Shake 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 Citrus Basil Gimlet Shake?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus basil gimlet shake 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 Basil Gimlet Shake?
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 Shake 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 Shake?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
