Honey-Basil Vodka Collins
A light and herbaceous vodka Collins cocktail sweetened with honey and brightened by fresh basil and lemon juice. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs vodka, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup (1:1 honey to water) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1.75 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
- 3 oz club soda
- 5 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 lemon wheel
- fill glass ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, gently muddle 5 fresh basil leaves.
- Step 2: Add 1.75 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz honey syrup.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 12 seconds.
- Step 4: Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 3 oz club soda, stirring gently once with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by floating a lemon wheel on top and slapping a small basil leaf to release aroma, placing it on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Basil Vodka Collins take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Basil Vodka Collins?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vodka from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Basil Vodka 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 Honey-Basil Vodka 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 Honey-Basil Vodka Collins?
Cocktails 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.
