13 Must-Try Cocktails With Basil

Cocktails with basil bring a refreshing twist to traditional mixed drinks by incorporating the aromatic and slightly peppery flavor of this herb. The addition of basil to cocktails adds a delightful herbal note that complements a wide range of spirits, from vodka and gin to rum and tequila. The result is a unique and flavorful beverage that’s perfect for those looking to elevate their cocktail experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates a touch of herbal freshness in your drinks, cocktails with basil might be right up your alley. The fragrant aroma and subtle earthy taste of basil can appeal to anyone seeking a more complex and intriguing cocktail. Whether you’re enjoying a casual gathering with friends or looking to expand your mixology skills at home, cocktails with basil offer a delightful departure from the ordinary.

Cucumber Basil Gimlet

One of the most refreshing cocktails with basil, this gimlet pairs the herb with cucumber. These ingredients contrast the tart tones of lemonade and lime juice. Choosing lemon basil enhances the citrus notes, but any basil provides a nice contrast to these cocktails. Since this gimlet calls for vodka rather than gin, the basil introduces an herbaceous element.
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Blackberry Basil Mojito

Follow this recipe for a flavorful twist on the classic mojito. First, the recipe incorporates blackberries adding a rich, fruity element to the cocktail. Next, the cocktail swaps mint for basil as the herbal element. This results in a unique-tasting mojito with lots of complex notes.
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Gin Basil Smash

This recipe combines robust basil with citrus flavors, bringing out the best of both ingredients. Like other cocktails with basil, this smash-style drink uses only a few elements to bring out a prominent flavor. The gin in this cocktail adds an extra botanical taste that pairs perfectly with the basil.
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Basil Lemon Drop

One of the most common problems with lemon drops is the high level of sweetness in the cocktail. Mixing basil into the recipe provides a contrasting herbal flavor that cuts through the sugar content. Follow this recipe to make a pitcher-sized batch of lemon drops with a more complex flavor, perfect for a slightly older crowd.
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Bourbon Basil Lemonade

This basil cocktail combines the familiar pairing of citrus and basil. These elements meld with sweet yet strong bourbon, creating a well-balanced lemonade. This recipe provides an excellent choice for making a single-serving cocktail rather than a whole pitcher’s worth of drinks. Plus, this bourbon drink comes together quickly in just a few minutes. 
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Pineapple Basil Rum Fizz

If you’re interested in cocktails with basil featuring tropical flavors, this recipe makes for a flavorful choice. Another aspect that makes this fizz a standout cocktail is using fresh pineapple to make a tart and fruity puree that makes the drink’s base. The tropical tones of the fruit pair perfectly with the complex herb.
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Grapefruit Basil Greyhound Cocktail

The greyhound cocktail contrasts basil with grapefruit, adding tart notes, some bitter undertones, and a citrusy sweetness. A small amount of honey adds another sweet element, but it isn’t overpowering, making this an excellent option for those craving a less sugary cocktail. In this drink, the basil brightens up the citrusy character of the drink with an herbaceous flavor.
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Strawberry Basil Cocktail

Strawberry and basil shine as one of the most popular combinations, whether you’re crafting a cocktail or a salad. The tartness of the fruit highlights the more robust notes of basil while highlighting the sweetness of both ingredients. This cocktail combines the duo with honey, citrus, and vodka, creating a sweet yet balanced drink.
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Basil Lime Margarita

Unlike other recipes on this list, this drink pairs basil notes with the distinct flavors of tequila. The spirit showcases a slightly sweet taste of agave along with some more complex tasting notes. These flavors bring out a slight spiciness in the herb, highlighting the basil’s licorice undertones.
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Blueberry Basil Gimlet

In this cocktail, pairing fruity notes with herbal ones from basil, blueberry brings out a new layer of flavor with its sweetness and delicately earthy notes. The recipe incorporates both elements into a flavorful simple syrup that gives this gimlet an attractive purple and reddish color. Lime juice in the cocktail brightens these complexly sweet notes, bringing a perfect balance.
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Vodka Pineapple Basil Smash Cocktail

This smash recipe provides another tropical option to the list of cocktails with basil. Like the previous drink, this cocktail incorporates basil into its simple syrup. Fresh basil adds another herbal layer while contrasting the vibrant gold drink with a pop of green. This smash is one of the most visually attractive options on the list.
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Orange and Gin Basil Smash

Follow this recipe to make a citrusy combination that highlights the robust notes in basil by incorporating dry gin. Lemons and oranges give this cocktail a bright tart element, while a small amount of simple syrup sweetens the drink. Each flavor balances the other and provides a lovely refreshing option when topped with soda water.
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Spicy Thai Basil Cucumber Cocktail

If you’re looking for a refreshing yet invigorating cocktail, this drink provides an excellent option. Cucumber juice and lime add a cooling brightness, contrasting the spiciness in the drink. Thai basil, known for its intense and savory flavor, pairs with peppers, putting the heat in this cocktail. Try this spicy option on warm summer nights!
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