This lemon basil vodka martini is a bright, refreshing cocktail perfect for warm summer days. The herbaceous basil brilliantly compliments the zesty lemon for a fresh twist on a classic cocktail!
Lemon basil cocktails are popular during the warmer summer months when the ingredients are in season. This cocktail is also known as a basil lemon drop martini. The lemon drop martini is named after the popular lemon drop candy! The classic ingredients include lemon juice, simple syrup and vodka.
This basil lemon drop variation was inspired by my blueberry lemon drop martini! It pairs well with summer squash pasta or grilled eggplant sandwiches! I love herbaceous cocktails and basil is such a fresh summery flavor!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You only need 4 simple ingredients: lemons, basil, simple syrup and vodka.
- The fresh and zingy flavors balance each other perfectly. This summer cocktail is perfect for sipping during a dinner party or a backyard bbq.
- Lemon basil vodka martini's are made without vermouth for a simpler martini variation.
Equipment Notes
I recommend having a cocktail shaker, muddler, jigger (or liquid measuring cup), citrus juicer and martini/coupe glasses. I have this bartender kit and use it for all of my cocktail recipes. If you don't have these tools, no worries! Simply use a mason jar with a lid in place of a cocktail shaker and a wooden spoon in place of a muddler.
Ingredient Notes
- Vodka - I like to use Tito's or Reyka vodka. Feel free to swap in gin if you prefer!
- Lemon juice - use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than the bottled stuff.
- Simple syrup - buy your own or make this easy microwave simple syrup! You only need sugar and water.
- Fresh basil - you will need 3-4 fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.
- Ice - make sure to have a handful of ice ready to use!
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gin martini - swap in gin instead of vodka! This will add to the herbal flavor of the cocktail.
- Vodka spritzer - for a lighter spritz, pour the martini mix over ice in a tall glass. Add 4 oz of club soda, stir and enjoy!
- Basil - use any variation of basil such as Thai basil or lemon basil.
- Mint - can't find basil? Try using fresh mint leaves instead!
- Cucumber - muddle a few slices of cucumber with the basil leaves. You can also used cucumber infused vodka!
- Spicy - muddle a couple jalapeño slices with the fresh basil leaves.
- Sugar rim - coat the rim of your glass with sugar for a sweeter sip!
Step by Step Instructions
Add the basil leaves, simple syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle the basil leaves until they are bruised and their juices have released.
Add a handful of ice and the vodka to the cocktail shaker.
Shake well for 15-20 seconds or until chilled.
Pour into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a lemon wheel. Enjoy!
Hint: I like to save a few smaller leaves of basil and a few lemon wheels to garnish the glasses. When you bring the cocktail up to your mouth to take a sip you will smell the additional garnishes which will add to the experience!
Storage
I recommend making basil lemon cocktails the same day as serving. You can make them a few hours ahead of time if necessary. Store them in the fridge and stir well before serving!
Top tip
Please use fresh lemons for this recipe. Do not use the bottled lemon juice from a shelf. Fresh squeezed lemon juice tastes much better and will perfectly balance this cocktail. It will NOT taste the same if you use bottled lemon juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, fresh basil leaves, vodka or gin and ice! Muddle the basil with the simple syrup and lemon juice. Combine all ingredients, shake until chilled and serve in a chilled martini glass.
Serve lemon basil cocktails in a chilled martini glasses or coupe glasses. Do NOT serve it over ice because the ice will water down the drink. Simply pour it into the chilled glasses and garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh basil leaves.
More Summer Cocktails
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
The Best Lemon Basil Vodka Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ½ oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 3-4 basil leaves
- ice
- Sliced lemon wheels for garnish
Instructions
- Add the basil leaves, simple syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Muddle the basil leaves until they are very bruised and torn. It should smell like basil.
- Add a handful of ice to the cocktail shaker along with the vodka.
- Shake well for 15-20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a basil leaf. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don't have a cocktail shaker simply use a a mason with with a lid!
- You can use a wooden spoon to muddle the basil if you don't have a cocktail muddler.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste. Bottled lemon juice does not work for this drink.
chris says
FYI: You don't have to muddle basil leaves to release their juices. Muddling is what causes those green pieces of leaf to float around in your drink. Just give the leaves a good slap between your palms.
Emily Toshiko says
Thanks for the tip! I will try this in the future to see how it compares.
K. Buckland says
I tried this recipe with my Thai Basil simple syrup and it was fabulous. I simply mixed the lemon juice and 1 1/2 Oz Thai simple syrup with vodka and garnish with lemon slice and a basil leaf.
Emily Toshiko says
Yum! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! I love the use of your Thai Basil simple syrup, what a great addition!
Cathy says
Wow! This looks so refreshing!! I can't wait to try it!
Emily Toshiko says
Thank you so much!
Em says
This is so light and refreshing!