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!
Raspberry Lime Basil Gin Cocktail
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
- ½ 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
Anne Roop
Made this last night. Everyone loved it. Super delicious, just the right amount of sweetness, refreshing and decadent! Thank you!
Karrie
Thank you Anne and so happy everyone liked it!
Bev Curtis
This is the quintessence of summer freshness! Drank a couple of these by the pool today and it was heaven. Wasn't sure about the basil but ended up loving the fresh herby taste. It's my go to pool drink from now on and thanks so much for the recipe!
Karrie@tastyeverafter
It's a fantastic pool drink Bev and so happy you loved it!
Rik
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
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!
Cheryl F.
This was one of the easiest and best drink recipes I've ever made! Had some raspberries that were going bad and I searched for a quick fresh berry drink to make. I don't like sweet drinks and the no sugar option sounded great. So glad I tried it because this recipe was perfect!
Karrie@tastyeverafter
Thank you Cheryl! I'm very glad you tried the recipe and enjoyed it so much 🙂
Katie Crenshaw
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!
Karrie@tastyeverafter
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