Shake and Strain Citrus Basil Fizz
A refreshing cocktail balancing zesty citrus and herbal basil notes, topped with a sparkling fizz for light effervescence. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, basil simple 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 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
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz basil simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Tear 4 fresh basil leaves and muddle gently in a shaker to release aroma.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz basil simple syrup to the shaker filled halfway with ice.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled and frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz chilled club soda and stir gently once to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a sprig of basil, lightly slapped to release oils, resting on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shake and Strain Citrus Basil Fizz 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 Shake and Strain Citrus Basil Fizz?
Refrigerate any leftover shake and strain citrus basil fizz 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 Shake and Strain Citrus Basil Fizz?
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 Shake and Strain Citrus Basil Fizz 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 Shake and Strain Citrus Basil Fizz?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
