Shaken Fresh Herb Gin Collins
A lively gin cocktail brightened with fresh lemon juice, a hint of herbaceousness, and topped with club soda for effervescent refreshment. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together London dry gin, fresh lemon juice, 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 London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz club soda
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Muddle 4 fresh basil leaves gently in a shaker to release aroma without tearing.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz London dry gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 12 seconds until chilled.
- Step 4: Double strain into a tall Collins glass filled halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz chilled club soda and stir gently once to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by slapping a basil leaf between your hands to release oils and placing it on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaken Fresh Herb Gin Collins take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Shaken Fresh Herb Gin Collins?
Refrigerate any leftover shaken fresh herb gin collins 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 Shaken Fresh Herb Gin 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 Shaken Fresh Herb Gin 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 Shaken Fresh Herb Gin Collins?
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.
