Herb-Muddled Gin and Tonic
A refreshing twist on the classic gin and tonic with freshly muddled herbs to add vibrant aroma and a garden-fresh taste. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 4 minutes brings together London dry gin, fresh lime juice, leaves fresh mint leaves 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
- 1.5 oz London dry gin
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 3 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 4 oz tonic water
- as needed crushed ice
- 1 piece lime wheel
- 1 sprig mint sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 6 fresh mint leaves and 3 fresh basil leaves into a mixing glass and gently muddle with a muddler to release their oils without tearing.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 oz London dry gin and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice to the muddled herbs.
- Step 3: Fill a highball glass halfway with crushed ice and strain the herb-gin mixture over the ice.
- Step 4: Top with 4 oz tonic water, stirring gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
- Step 5: Garnish with a lime wheel floated on top and a fresh mint sprig tucked into the glass rim for aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Muddled Gin and Tonic take to make?
Total time is about 4 minutes (4 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 Herb-Muddled Gin and Tonic?
Refrigerate any leftover herb-muddled gin and tonic 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 Herb-Muddled Gin and Tonic?
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 Herb-Muddled Gin and Tonic 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 Herb-Muddled Gin and Tonic?
Cocktails 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.
