9 Basil Cocktails Worth Mixing

Be your own bartender at home with these fresh, herbaceous basil cocktails created by some of my favorite, established food and drink bloggers.

Watermelon basil cocktail with Grand Marnier in the background.

Basil Brings The Flavor

Basil is one of the most popular herbs around and easy to grow at home, so it's no surprise that there are so many delicious ways to use it in cocktails. The essential oils in basil are released into the drink when gently muddled, imparting that sweet, peppery flavor to every sip.

This variety of basil mixed drinks has something for just about every taste, with spirits ranging from gin to vodka and plenty of fruity additions to keep things interesting.

Because tonics are so popular with fresh basil, I had to include a few variations, including a fun kumquat addition.

My absolute favorite on the list is the Watermelon and Basil Cocktail because it's easy, delicious and uses just a handful of ingredients. But don't stop there; the others are well worth checking out, too. Bring your cocktail shaker out and enjoy!

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Basil Brings The Flavor
Basil Cocktail Recipes
Joss' Top Tip
Basil Cocktails FAQs
More Delicious Recipe Collections
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Basil Cocktail Recipes

Watermelon basil cocktail in wine glass with watermelon swizzle stick.

Watermelon Basil Blender Cocktail

Sometimes you need a cocktail in a hurry. This blender watermelon basil cocktail is perfect for whipping up at the last minute when guests arrive. It's bright, citrusy, herbaceous, and icy-cold; basically, the ultimate 5-minute basil summer cocktail.

Watermelon Basil Blender Cocktail Recipe

A Nerd Cooks

Basil Vodka Gimlet

What even is a gimlet? Despite the slightly mysterious name, it's really just gin, lime and a touch of sweetener to balance the tartness. Add homemade, basil-infused vodka to the mix and you've got a fresh, herbaceous twist on the classic. I'd also finish it off with a sprig of Thai basil for a pretty garnish. Get ready to feel fancy!

Basil Vodka Gimlet Recipe

Mint and Twist

Basil Gin & Tonic

Fresh basil gives your classic gin and tonic a bright, botanical upgrade that just works. It's made with a good tonic, a gentle stir and lightly sweetened with simple syrup (which is super easy to make at home).

Basil Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

The Short Order Cook

Spicy Basil Moscow Mule

I love a spicy cocktail and this Jalapeño Basil Moscow Mule definitely brings the heat! The basil keeps things fresh, while the ginger beer brings that zippy kick. If you're serving it at a party, it's also super easy to make a Moscow Mule mocktail in a separate, labeled pitcher for underage or non-drinking guests.

Spicy Basil Moscow Mule Recipe

My Rad Kitchen

Watermelon Basil Margarita

Combining watermelon and basil in a margarita is an unexpected but welcoming twist. It tastes just as good as it looks and it only takes 5 minutes to shake up in a cocktail shaker or mason jar. It's amazing how a few gently-muddled basil leaves can work some serious flavor magic.

Watermelon Basil Margarita Recipe

Three Olives Branch

Gin Basil Smash

Kim from Three Olives Branch brings us this Gin Basil Smash and the name pretty much tells you what's going on. Gin, basil, sweetener and fruit get muddled or "smashed" together to release all of those fresh, fruity and herbal flavors.

Gin Basil Smash Recipe

The Feast Local

Kumquat Basil Gin & Tonic

A gin and tonic, only more unique and exciting! Fresh basil leaves and kumquats add a sweet and sour citrus flavor that's crisp, refreshing and definitely not your average G&T. So, if you happen to get your hands on kumquats, make this!

Kumquat Basil Gin & Tonic Recipe

Wholefully

Blueberry Basil Vodka Tonic

When blueberries are abundant and you're running out of ways to use them, try this Blueberry Basil Vodka Tonic. Basil paired with sweet fruit is a strangely delicious combination that makes this basil cocktail a winner.

Blueberry Basil Vodka Tonic Recipe

Erica's Recipes

Lemon Basil Sherbet Mimosa

To end things on a sweet note, I had to include this Lemon Basil Sherbet Mimosa, which is more like a dessert in a glass. Enjoy after a plate of creamy lemon basil pasta. It's filled with little balls of lemon basil sherbet, bringing a citrusy flavor that practically explodes in your mouth with every sip. Talk about a fun way to finish this basil cocktail round up!

Lemon Basil Sherbet Mimosa Recipe

Joss' Top Tip

For a simple tweak to really lay on that basil flavor, swap the regular simple syrup in these basil beverages for a basil cocktail syrup. It's easy to make and keeps well at home, so you can have it ready whenever cocktail hour rolls around.

Basil Cocktails FAQs

Can I use dried basil in cocktails?

You can if you decrease the amount, but fresh is definitely the way to go. Dried basil won't give you that freshly-picked flavor that makes basil cocktails taste so good.

What type of basil is best for cocktails?

Sweet basil is the classic choice and the most common, so it's easy to find. If you're growing another variety at home, I would definitely experiment with that.

Can I use frozen basil in cocktails?

Frozen basil can work in a pinch. I do prefer fresh, but basil ice cubes would be fun.

How do you keep basil from turning bitter in cocktails?

Always go easy on the muddling; you want to avoid bruising the leaves heavily because that will cause bitterness.

Can I make basil cocktails ahead of time?

This will depend on each recipe. You can prep/chill some ingredients ahead of time but basil tastes best when you add it to cocktails right before serving.

More Delicious Recipe Collections

Which Recipe Will You Pick?

Did you enjoy these basil cocktail recipes? Which one was your ❤️ favorite so far? Let me know in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe collection!