Gin Basil Mocktail with Citrus Zest
A refreshing blend of gin, fresh basil, and citrus zest for a vibrant summer drink. This international-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes brings together Gin, Fresh basil leaves, Lemon 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 120 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
- 4 oz Gin
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tbsp Simple syrup
- 4 oz Carbonated water
- 4 Lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, combine 4 oz gin, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Step 2: Strain into a chilled coupe glass, then top with 4 oz carbonated water. Garnish with lime wedges and a sprig of basil.
- Step 3: Squeeze a thin strip of lime zest over the surface for added aroma and visual appeal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin Basil Mocktail with Citrus Zest 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 Gin Basil Mocktail with Citrus Zest?
Refrigerate any leftover gin basil mocktail with citrus zest 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 Gin Basil Mocktail with Citrus Zest?
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 Gin Basil Mocktail with Citrus Zest 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 Gin Basil Mocktail with Citrus Zest?
International 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
