Shaken Gin and Basil Southside
A refreshing, herbaceous cocktail combining crisp gin with fresh basil and zesty lime for a garden-fresh experience in every sip. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes blends gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) into a quick blender drink — a fast breakfast, a pre-workout pour, or an afternoon energy boost, with nothing to wash up but the pitcher. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 1, so it works as a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-gym refuel, or a snack that holds you to the next meal. 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
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz club soda
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 6 fresh basil leaves with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release the herb's aroma.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin and 3/4 oz fresh lime juice to the shaker, then fill it halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove basil bits.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda for a light effervescence.
- Step 6: Garnish with a small basil leaf floated on the surface.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaken Gin and Basil Southside take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Almost all of that is prep — once everything is in the blender it is under a minute to smooth. Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead so mornings are just dump-and-blend.
How do I store leftover Shaken Gin and Basil Southside?
Smoothies are best within a few minutes of blending, but they keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours — fill it to the top so there is no air gap and shake before drinking, since separation is normal. For longer storage, freeze in an ice-cube tray and re-blend with a splash of liquid. Never reheat.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shaken Gin and Basil Southside?
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 Gin and Basil Southside 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 Gin and Basil Southside?
Cocktails & Beverages 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.
