Ginger-Lime Vodka Collins with Fresh Basil
A crisp and herbal twist on the classic Tom Collins using fresh ginger, lime juice, and aromatic basil leaves for a lively, refreshing drink. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger syrup 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 150 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
- 60 ml vodka
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 20 ml ginger syrup
- 90 ml club soda
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 slice for garnish lime wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly muddle 6 fresh basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker to release their aroma without tearing them too much.
- Step 2: Add 60 ml vodka, 30 ml fresh lime juice, 20 ml ginger syrup, and 1 cup ice cubes to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 3: Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice, then top with 90 ml club soda. Stir gently to combine, garnish with 1 lime wheel and a small basil sprig for an herbal finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Lime Vodka Collins with Fresh Basil 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 Ginger-Lime Vodka Collins with Fresh Basil?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger-lime vodka collins with fresh 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-Lime Vodka Collins with Fresh 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-Lime Vodka Collins with Fresh 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-Lime Vodka Collins with Fresh Basil?
American 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.
