Muddle Basil for Vibrant Live Gimlet Cocktail
Source: cooking.nytimes.com
TL;DR
- Live Basil Gimlet recipe uses 5 basil leaves, gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Muddle 4 basil leaves, shake with ice, strain into chilled glass for 1 drink.
- Garnish with remaining basil leaf for fresh, herbaceous cocktail.
The story at a glance
The Live Basil Gimlet is a simple cocktail recipe featuring fresh basil muddled with gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. It yields 1 drink shaken and strained into a chilled coupe glass. This herbaceous twist on the classic gimlet highlights seasonal basil for a vibrant summer refresher.
Key moments & milestones
- Muddle 4 basil leaves gently in cocktail shaker.
- Add 1½ ounces gin, ¾ ounce lime juice, ½ ounce simple syrup.
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into chilled coupe or small glass.
- Garnish with remaining basil leaf.
Signature highlights
- Uses 5 large basil leaves total for fresh, aromatic flavor.
- 156 calories per serving with 12g carbohydrates, 11g sugars, 0g protein.
- Shaking with ice provides dilution and chill for balanced taste.
- User tip: Scale for pitcher with 18 oz gin, 9 oz lime juice, 6 oz syrup, handfuls of basil.
- Variations include subbing vodka or St-Germain elderflower liqueur, or using shiso instead of basil.
- Plymouth gin recommended for complex, balanced profile.
Key quotes
Omit—no direct quotes in recipe.
Why it matters
Fresh herb cocktails like the Live Basil Gimlet elevate home bartending with minimal ingredients. Readers can mix 1 drink in under 5 minutes using common pantry staples. Watch for summer basil peaks and pitcher scaling tips.