Citrus-Basil Gin Collins
A refreshing twist on the classic Collins, featuring bright citrus and fresh basil for a garden-fresh finish. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together London dry 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 London dry gin
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 3 oz Club soda
- 4 large leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 1 wheel Lemon wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, gently muddle 4 large fresh basil leaves with 0.75 oz simple syrup to release the herb's aroma.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz London dry gin and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker, then fill with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes to avoid basil bits.
- Step 5: Top with 3 oz club soda and stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by sliding a lemon wheel along the inside of the glass and placing a fresh basil leaf on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Basil Gin Collins take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Gin Collins?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-basil gin collins 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 Gin Collins?
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 Gin Collins 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 Gin Collins?
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.
