Spring is the perfect time of year for patio drinks, and this Blueberry Basil Gimlet cocktail is a winner! It’s deliciously refreshing with an herbaceous kick and eye-catching color for the occasion.

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Gimlets originated in the British Royal Navy in the late 1800s, when sailors were issued “medicinal” lime cordial to prevent scurvy. They would combine their rations of gin with the lime cordial to make it more palatable, and voila! The gimlet was born, likely named after Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette, who encouraged sailors to drink citrus for their health.

make it with:

Blueberry Syrup

This easy syrup uses 4 simple ingredients and will instantly upgrade your cocktails, coffee, and tea drinks!

recipe

Double strain this cocktail for best results. This way, you’ll get rid of any bits of basil or lime pulp that might interfere with the cocktail’s mouthfeel.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this Blueberry Basil Gimlet recipe:

Gin – Opt for a gin that isn’t super bold with juniper or herbal flavors so that the blueberry and basil flavors can shine. I’ve tried this recipe with Citadelle and Plymouth brands and both were great. If you’re not a gin lover, try vodka instead.
Blueberry syrup – Whip up a batch of this blueberry twist on simple syrup to have on hand for cocktails and tea drinks! It’s super easy but packed with flavor and gorgeous purple color.
Basil – I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure this would work with fresh mint if you don’t have any basil available.
Lime juice – Unlike the original gimlet recipe that calls for lime cordial (hi, naval history and scurvy prevention!), we’re going for fresh lime juice as is pretty standard for modern gimlets.

All about spirits:

Gin

Gin is distilled from grains and primarily flavored with juniper. It’s known for herbal and botanical notes that come from infusions of herbs, spices, flowers, and fruits. The flavors can be incredibly complex (and delicious).

Here are some gins that I’ve tried, enjoyed, and recommend:

The Botanist Gin – A more robust gin with traditional flavors at a reasonable price.

Citadelle Gin – A versatile gin with plenty of flavor and a gorgeous bottle.

Plymouth Gin – Another versatile gin that you can’t go wrong with. The flavor isn’t overpowering, so it’s great for mixing.

Barr Hill Gin – Small batch gin that’s slightly sweet thanks to honey. Can get lost if mixing with this one.

St. George’s Botanivore Gin – Slightly spicy and herbal, this one has stronger, more distinctive flavors than some others on this list.

Hendrick’s Gin – A benchmark type of gin with traditional herbal flavor that’s also infused with rose and cucumber.

Ford’s Gin – An easy going gin that’s less expensive and great for mixing.

Empress 1908 Gin (Indigo) – A milder gin with gorgeous purple color that changes to pink when mixed with acidic ingredients.

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Blueberry Basil Gimlet

Prep: 5

Total: 5

Servings: 2 servings

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Spring is the perfect time for patio drinks, and this Blueberry Basil Gimlet cocktail is delicious with eye-catching color for the occasion.

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

▢ 4 fl oz gin
▢ 2 fl oz Blueberry Syrup
▢ 1 1/2 fl oz lime juice
▢ 6 large basil leaves

Instructions

Add 2 coupe glasses to the freezer or fill them with ice to chill.
Add 4 fl oz gin, 2 fl oz Blueberry Syrup, and 1 1/2 fl oz lime juice to a shaker. Smack the 6 large basil leaves between your hands to help release the oils, then tear them in half and add to the shaker.
Add ice to the shaker, seal, and shake for 5-10 seconds until the shaker is chilled through. Double strain into chilled coupe glasses.