Paul Kushner
The Peach Basil Gin and Tonic brings a fresh, aromatic twist to a classic highball. Juicy peach and fragrant basil are muddled and shaken with gin, peach liqueur, and lemon juice, then topped with tonic water for a bubbly finish. This drink is light, herbaceous, and fruit-forward ideal for summer afternoons, garden parties, or any time you want something that feels crisp and refreshing without being too sweet. It’s a flavorful upgrade to the traditional gin and tonic, with a seasonal touch.
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Tasting Notes
This Peach Basil Gin and Tonic is fresh and lightly aromatic, with sweet summer peach upfront and hints of basil rounding out each sip. The gin brings structure with its botanical base, while lemon juice adds a splash of brightness to balance the sweetness of the peach liqueur. Tonic water stretches the drink, lending a crisp, slightly bitter finish that keeps the flavors balanced. The muddled basil adds an herbal note without overpowering, letting the fruit shine while adding a cool, garden-fresh quality. Peach slices and a basil sprig make it visually appealing and fragrant.
Equipment and Glassware
To make this Peach Basil Gin and Tonic, you’ll need a shaker for mixing and chilling, a muddler to gently press the basil and peach, and a fine mesh strainer or tea strainer to remove solids for a clean pour. A jigger ensures accurate measuring, and a bar spoon helps with topping the tonic water smoothly. Serve in a rocks glass or large double old fashioned glass to allow space for fresh ice, peach slices, and tonic without crowding.
Ingredients
- 4 large basil leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish
- 1 small peach, pitted and sliced
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz peach liqueur
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz tonic water
- Garnish: basil sprig and peach slices
Instructions
- Add the basil leaves and peach slices to a cocktail shaker and muddle gently for 5–10 seconds to release their oils and juice.
- Pour in the gin, peach liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Add ice and shake until the mixture is well chilled.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and a few peach slices.
- Pour in the strained liquid and top with tonic water.
- Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of basil.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and color.
- Muddle basil gently to avoid bitterness from over-crushing the leaves.
- Always double strain to prevent pulp or basil bits in the final drink.
- Chill your tonic water beforehand for better carbonation.
- Use a high-quality tonic to avoid overly sweet or artificial flavors.
- Add peach slices to the serving glass just before pouring for visual appeal.
- Try flavored tonic like elderflower or cucumber for a twist.
- Make a large batch of the base mixture (minus tonic) for easier serving at gatherings.
When to Serve
This Peach Basil Gin and Tonic shines in late spring through summer, especially when peaches are in season. It’s a great fit for outdoor brunches, garden parties, or warm evening gatherings. Light, flavorful, and refreshing, it pairs well with grilled dishes, salads, and fresh cheeses. It also works nicely as a welcome drink for small get-togethers where you want to highlight seasonal produce without heavy ingredients.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Gin:
- Bombay Sapphire
- Hendrick’s
- Tanqueray
- Roku
- Botanist
- Peach Liqueur:
- Giffard Crème de Pêche
- Bols Peach
- Mathilde Pêche
- DeKuyper Peachtree
- Rothman & Winter Peach
Similar Cocktails
- Blood Orange Basil Margarita
- Cantaloupe Mojito
- Dr Pepper Margarita
- Orange Crush
- Sweet Corn Margarita
Ingredients
- 4 large basil leaves plus 1 sprig for garnish
- 1 small peach pitted and sliced
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz peach liqueur
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz tonic water
- Garnish: basil sprig and peach slices
Instructions
- Add the basil leaves and peach slices to a cocktail shaker and muddle gently for 5–10 seconds to release their oils and juice.
- Pour in the gin, peach liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Add ice and shake until the mixture is well chilled.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and a few peach slices.
- Pour in the strained liquid and top with tonic water.
- Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of basil.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Choose a ripe, juicy peach for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Muddle gently over-muddling basil can cause bitterness.
- Use a dry tonic to keep the drink balanced and not overly sweet.
