Shaken Gin Basil Refresher
A bright, herbaceous cocktail featuring fresh basil and crisp gin, balanced with citrus and a touch of sweetness for a refreshing sip. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes blends London dry gin, Fresh lemon 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 160 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 London dry gin
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 6 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- as needed Ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 6 fresh basil leaves in a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release the aromatic oils without tearing the leaves.
- 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 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to remove basil bits.
- Step 5: Garnish by lightly slapping a fresh basil leaf between your palms to release oils, then float it on top of the drink.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaken Gin Basil Refresher take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Basil Refresher?
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 Basil Refresher?
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 Basil Refresher 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 Basil Refresher?
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.
