Ginger-Lemongrass Sparkling Cocktail with Basil
A refreshing cocktail blending zesty ginger, aromatic lemongrass, and fresh basil topped with sparkling water for a vibrant, effervescent drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 25 minutes brings together bruised and chopped lemongrass stalk, simple syrup, fresh lime 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 180 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
- 1, bruised and chopped lemongrass stalk
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz light rum
- 4 oz sparkling water
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 inch peeled and sliced fresh ginger root and 1 bruised and chopped lemongrass stalk with 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and cool the ginger-lemongrass infusion.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 6 fresh basil leaves gently to release aroma. Add 2 oz light rum, 1 oz simple syrup, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup cooled ginger-lemongrass infusion, and 1 cup ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Step 3: Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top with 4 oz sparkling water and stir gently.
- Step 4: Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a thin lemongrass stalk for visual appeal. Serve immediately to enjoy the bright, herbaceous flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Lemongrass Sparkling Cocktail with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Lemongrass Sparkling Cocktail with Basil?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger-lemongrass sparkling cocktail with basil 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-Lemongrass Sparkling Cocktail with Basil?
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-Lemongrass Sparkling Cocktail with Basil 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-Lemongrass Sparkling Cocktail with Basil?
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.
