This Thai basil and ginger gin gimlet is a peppery and sweet spin on the classic cocktail. Thai basil is different as its leaves are long with pointy ends and have a beautiful purple flower. The flavor resembles licorice or anisette. Adding this herb adds an elegant twist to the gimlet. We chose to add gin, but vodka is also a great choice.

The best types of gin include Hendrick’s, Bombay Sapphire, Beef Eater, and Tanqueray. Gin is known for its botanical flavor from juniper berries. It’s an acquired taste but when you add superior herbs you can convert just about anyone.

Ingredients You Will Need:

Gin

Limes

Fresh ginger

Candied ginger

Sugar

Thai basil leaves

Ice ball

Simple Syrup Instructions:

For this gin gimlet…

1 Cup of granulated sugar

1 Cup of water

Fresh ginger about a 2 inch root sliced and peeled

Start by combining sugar, water, and fresh ginger in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Making sure to stir frequently until the sugar dissolves. Remove the mixture from heat and using a mesh strainer discard the ginger pieces. Allow syrup to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Directions For Cocktail:

Starts by adding a few Thai basil leaves to a bar shaker. Next, you’ll add the simple syrup and lime. It’s time to muddle. Muddling ensures that your ingredients are well blended. You don’t want to skip this step. You can get a muddle here. It will be your new bar staple for it is used in many cocktails. Now you can add the gin and ice. Shake well. Using a strainer, pour over an ice ball in your glass. Garnish with candied ginger. This is going to be the best Thai basil and ginger gin gimlet you’ve ever had! Enjoy!

If you like this gin gimlet, you will love our Spring Cosmopolitan! Don’t forget to check out our Herbal Cocktail Garden. If you’re also a wine lover, you don’t want to miss out on the deals at Nakedwines.com!