Ginger Basil Whiskey Collins
A refreshing whiskey cocktail blending muddled ginger and fresh basil with a hint of Campari and soda for a balanced, herbal fizz. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together leaves fresh basil leaves, Campari, sweet vermouth (Cinzano) 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
- 1 inch piece, peeled and sliced fresh ginger root
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth (Cinzano)
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 for garnish lemon wedge
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1 inch peeled and sliced fresh ginger root with 6 fresh basil leaves for about 20 seconds until fragrant and slightly crushed.
- Step 2: Add 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth (Cinzano), and 2 oz bourbon whiskey to the shaker along with ice cubes to fill halfway.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and blend flavors.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top the glass with 3 oz club soda and gently stir once to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1 lemon wedge on the rim and serve immediately for a bright, herbal cocktail experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger Basil Whiskey Collins take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Ginger Basil Whiskey Collins?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger basil whiskey 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 Ginger Basil Whiskey 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 Ginger Basil Whiskey 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 Ginger Basil Whiskey Collins?
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.
