This Raspberry Lime Basil Gin Cocktail is bursting with so much flavor from all the natural and fresh ingredients, simple syrup isn’t even needed!
Here’s a tasty and refreshing cocktail that will help chase away those Monday blues. Yes, I’m still on this (beep) sugar detox, but eating fruit, so this drink is completely acceptable for me. Plus, I’ve had a super busy weekend and slightly stressed out one too. That in itself is more than reason enough to have one of these beauties later tonight.
Last night, I wanted a light, refreshing, gin based drink. After looking around to see what I had on hand, I came up with organic raspberries and the basil in my garden. This basil is growing out of control right now and needs to be cut back, so it’s perfect timing. Grabbed both of those, some limes and my trusty bottle of Tanqueray no. Ten and I started mixing up them up.
Since I’ve been on the sugar detox, I have eliminated all processed sugars (and some natural ones like honey) from my diet. I originally stopped eating fruit, but stopped all that nonsense by day three of the detox. Seriously, a girl can only take so much.
If there’s one thing I have learned from not eating sugar is, I really like sugar. If I’m expected to cut out my daily dark chocolate, the least I could do for myself is eat a little fruit here and there. With a little alcohol.
The wonderful benefit to using super fresh ingredients in this raspberry lime basil gin cocktail is that a simple sugar syrup isn’t needed. The natural sweetness of the raspberries is enough and pairs excellently with the slightly sweet finish of the fresh basil and tartness of the lime juice.
If you like red wine, try my recipe for this fruity Sangria. It’s so perfect on a warm, sunny day.
So cheers to this tasty Raspberry Lime Basil Gin Cocktail. Hope you enjoy it and please let me know in the comments!
Raspberry Lime Basil Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 6 whole fresh raspberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves , chiffonade (cut into thin ribbons)
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounces sparkling water or club soda , lime flavored or plain
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup ice
Optional garnish: lime slices and whole fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Place raspberries and basil in cocktail shaker and lightly muddle together. Add gin, fresh lime juice, and ice to shaker and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Pour mixed drink in a glass and top with sparkling water or club soda. Garnish with additional limes slices and fresh basil leaves.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Can strain drink into glass with ice to remove raspberry seeds and basil
Rik says
Hi Karrie,
I was just looking for inspiration for a simple refreshing cocktail I can knock out en masse at a friends party and I came across this. I normally pair strawberries with basil, but this feels like a good combo too, though I might tweak it a little. If you will allow, and I’m not being rudeI do have one one important tip (it might just be a typo on your side). The method calls for all the ingredients INCLUDING the soda to be shaken together. This is a bad idea as a) you lose the fizz and b) it can end up very messy with a 3 piece shaker spitting out liquid or a 2 piece shaker losing it’s seal and the drink covering yourself and your guests! I hope you don’t mind me suggesting that the soda should be added after the rest is poured. Optionally, you could also fine strain the drink from the shaker to get rid of any fibres/seeds (a tea strainer works perfectly!). I love the idea of using the natural sugars from the fruit and not needing the added processed sugar though. Keep it up!
Karrie says
Hi Rik, Thanks so much for the review and yes,that was a mistake about adding the seltzer prior to mixing, so I changed the instructions. Agree on the straining too and already had that as an option in the notes. We love this recipe in my household because of the no added sugar and glad you did too!
Katie Crenshaw says
Oh these looks so pretty and fancy! I love that you don’t have to add sugar. I am “Trying” to be low carb also… I have to make this for my next dinner party! Thanks for sharing this lovely drink recipe. I am so stoked!
[email protected] says
Thank you so much Katie! Most of the time, I don’t add sugar to my mixed drinks because it just contributes to a hangover and the carb count. I’d rather get my carbs through better options, like bread or potato chips or a big piece of cake. lol!! Let me know how the drink turns out for you and you may want to strain the drink prior to serving to guests, so they don’t have raspberry seeds or basil pieces in their teeth
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
I’m so relieved that your sugar detox allows booze! Thank goodness! Otherwise the RV [email protected] show would be simply intolerable! This basil berry cocktail sure looks like the perfect solution. And don’t worry about RV Dude – karma is a B!
[email protected] says
Thanks and you are so right Rachelle!
Ben [email protected] says
That’s just a quintessence of summer freshness! And I do love the combo of berries and basil – I often incorporate it in my cooking. I’m not a huge fan of gin though, but that’s okay – it could be easily discarded, right?
[email protected] says
Basil and berries is such a great combo! You can absolutely leave out the Gin, Ben. Or substitute it for vodka
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
Just think of all the fun you will have once the camper is renovated, Karrie! It is such a wonderful way to travel and see the country. This gin cocktail looks so pretty…and a great way to help destress. Come to think of it, you might need a few of these during your reno project.
[email protected] says
Thanks Thao. We should be able to enjoy the camper for a couple of months before winter sets in and I can’t wait! I totally agree that I may need a few of these drinks before, during, and after the reno project
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says
Wow, Karrie! Good for you…a sugar detox is definitely one of the more difficult types of detoxes! I tried once, just to see if I could do it, and by day 3 I was like I need some freakin’ jam on this toast!! Gah!
And so sorry about the camper, but that’s great that your hubby is so handy and can fix the problem! I’m sure you guys will be on the road and enjoying beautiful scenery before you know it
As for this cocktail, it is perfection! This local restaurant makes the most amazing strawberry basil margarita, and after I tried that, I was completely hooked on the fruit + basil combo. I can’t wait to try this raspberry version!
[email protected] says
HAHAHA!! “I need some freakin’ jam on this toast!” Ain’t that the truth and I love it so much that I could eat it right out of the jar. Great, now I’m craving jam. Also Beeta, you should never be allowed to go on a sugar detox because you bake too many wonderful sweets
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Karrie, you are speaking my language with this cocktail! I’m sooo glad J fixed the RV window and wall… and I hope J’s arm is okay (small details). Hope you guys are able to take the camper out soon and I can’t wait to hear all about you and the fur babies adventures out on the road. (world look out!) Anyways, back to whats important. Gin. I mean this cocktail. Love the fresh raspberries and basil leaves with a squeeze of lime. And Gin, I did mention that, right? Perfect way start the week and end the day. Can’t wait to make this! Cheers, girlie! xo
[email protected] says
I love Gin, you love Gin, we all love Gin Oh don’t worry, you’ll hear all about my travels when I come visit you this winter and park my big ass (camper) in your driveway! lol!