Basil Tom Collins

If you love gin and want a refreshing, easy cocktail to unwind after a long day, let me introduce you to the Basil Tom Collins. This twist on the classic cocktail adds basil to the zesty lemon and fizzy soda of a Tom Collins. It gives it a fresh herbal upgrade. The result? A bright, crisp drink that tastes like relaxation in a glass.

a glass with a cucumber and mint in it

What is a Tom Collins?

A Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail that’s been around since the 19th century. It’s traditionally made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, typically served in a tall glass over ice. Think of it as a slightly fizzy, more complex lemonade with the refreshing kick of gin. It’s light, tangy, and perfect for sipping on a warm evening or after a stressful day at work. 

In this recipe we are taking a classic Tom Collins and making it more exciting, by adding basil to the mix. Basil and gin are a match made in cocktail heaven. When you take your first sip you’ll notice the herb’s subtle peppery flavor pairs beautifully with the gin, while the lemon and soda keep things refreshing and light. 

A tall glass with cucumber slices, basil leaves, and ice accompanied by a straw sits on a marble surface, evoking the essence of a refreshing basil gin Tom Collins. In the background, a lemon, lime, muddler, and steel shaker.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key ingredients needed for this Tom Collins recipe and a few tips for getting the most out of them:

Bottles of gin and soda water sit alongside fresh lemons, limes, and a sprig of basil, all ready to craft a refreshing Basil Gin Tom Collins with a small glass pitcher on a white background.

Gin: 

Go with a gin you like. Seventh Heaven gin is a safe bet for its clean, crisp flavor, but floral or herbal gins can add a fun twist when paired with basil.

Fresh Basil Leaves or Fresh Herbs: 

Fresh, large basil leaves are essential for that peppery, aromatic kick. Skip dried basil—it won’t have the same flavor.

Simple Syrup: 

Homemade is best! Mix equal parts sugar and hot water (e.g. 1 cup of each). Store in the fridge for up to a week. You can even infuse it with basil for extra flavor. You can also purchase simple syrup from almost any grocery store.

Lemon and Lime Juice:

Use fresh juice for the best taste. Lemon adds brightness, while lime brings a slight bitterness that complements the basil. If you only have one, you can swap in just lemon or lime, but both give it the best balance.

Soda Water/Club Soda/Lemon-Lime Soda:

This is what gives the Basil Gin Tom Collins its signature fizz. Stick with plain soda water or sparkling water. It adds effervescence without adding flavor, letting the gin, basil, and citrus shine.

Cucumber (for garnish):

The cucumber adds a refreshing aroma and visual appeal. Cut thick spears for the glass or use a peeler to create thin ribbons for a swirl effect. English cucumbers are ideal for their edible skin, but any variety works.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making a Tom Collins cocktail with Basil is simple, but having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Cocktail Shaker

A cocktail shaker is key for mixing and chilling the ingredients. If you don’t have one, a mason jar with a lid can work in a pinch.

2. Muddler

You’ll need a muddler to crush the basil leaves and release their flavor. If you don’t have a muddler, use the back of a wooden spoon to get the job done.

3. Strainer

A fine mesh strainer or the one built into your shaker will help keep any stray basil leaves out of your drink when you pour.

4. Jigger

A jigger helps you measure your liquids accurately. If you don’t have one, use a tablespoon—1 tablespoon is about 15ml or 1 oz gin.

5. Collins Glass (or Large Rocks Glass / Highball Glass)

This tall, narrow glass is perfect for this fizzy drink. A large rocks glass works too if that’s what you’ve got.

6. Bar Spoon or Chop stick

If you’re going for the cucumber swirl effect, use a bar spoon or chopstick to help position the cucumber slice against the side of the glass to make the perfect drink.


Tools You’ll Need

Mueller Pro-Series All-in-One, 12 Blade Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Food Chopper, Vegetable Slicer and Spiralizer, Cutter, Dicer, Grater, Kitchen Gadgets Sets with Container, White Sand/Gray

Simple Modern Cocktail Shaker Gift Set with Jigger Lid | Insulated Boston Martini Mixer Stainless Steel Christmas Gifts for Men Women | Compatible with Classic Tumbler Collection | Midnight Black

Ohtomber 8" Muddler for Cocktails, Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler Bartender Accessories, Lemon Smasher Drink Muddlers for Home Kitchen Bar Tools, Bar Muddler Ice Crusher for Mojitos Fruit Drinks

OXO SteeL Angled Measuring Jigger

The above links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to our readers.

How to Make a Basil Collins

This cocktail comes together in 5 minutes, so you don’t have to wait long to enjoy this delicious cocktail. Here’s everything you need to know for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Garnish

Cut a cucumber into thick spears about 1 inch taller than your glass. For a fancier touch, use a peeler or mandoline to create thin slices and place them against the inside of the glass for a swirl effect.

Cucumber slices and peels lie on a cutting board alongside a knife and peeler, setting the stage for crafting a refreshing basil Tom Collins.

Step 2: Prep the Glass

Take a Collins or large rocks glass. Place the cucumber garnish inside, swirling it if you’ve used a thin slice. Add ice cubes to help hold the cucumber in place.

A glass filled with ice cubes sits on a white surface, accompanied by two empty metal containers, ready to craft a refreshing basil gin Tom Collins.

Step 3: Muddle the Basil

In a mixing glass or shaker, muddle the large basil leaves with the simple syrup to release the basil’s oils.

A wooden muddler in a glass with mint leaves sits next to a metal measuring cup and a glass container on a white surface, ready to craft the perfect basil gin Tom Collins.
A cocktail shaker with a drink in progress, featuring muddled mint leaves and liquid, stands on a white surface next to a small metal dish, hinting at the creation of a refreshing basil Tom Collins.
A hand pours a clear liquid into a tall glass filled with a light green basil gin Tom Collins and cucumber slices. A lemon, lime, and metal shaker rest in the background on the marble surface.

Find the measurements and full recipe below in the recipe card!



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of basil or just want to experiment, try this cocktail with mint, rosemary, or even thyme. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, but basil adds that subtle, peppery twist that pairs so well with gin.

A London dry gin is a great choice for this cocktail because it’s crisp, clean flavor won’t overpower the basil. However, if you’ve got a gin that has more herbal or floral notes, that can also work well with the basil’s flavor. Experiment with what you have—there’s no wrong choice here!

I wouldn’t recommend making this too far in advance since it’s best enjoyed fresh. The carbonation from the soda water will start to go flat if it sits for too long. However, you can definitely prep your lemon and lime juice, make your simple syrup, and have everything ready to go. Then, when you’re ready for a drink, it’ll only take a minute to shake up.

Both lemon and lime juice bring different kinds of acidity to the drink. The lemon gives that bright, tangy punch you expect from a Tom Collins, while the lime adds a touch of bitterness that complements the basil. If you only have one of the two on hand, you can use just lemon juice and it’ll still taste great, but the lime really rounds out the flavor.

Yes, the Basil Gin Tom Collins is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no ingredients that typically include gluten. Just be sure to double-check the brand of gin you’re using if you’re very sensitive to gluten, though most gins should be safe.

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a glass with a cucumber and mint in it

Basil Tom Collins

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  • Author: The Solo Spoon
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1
  • Category: Drinks

Description

This Basil Tom Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Made with gin, fresh basil, lemon, lime, and topped with fizzy soda water, it’s the perfect light and crisp drink for relaxing after a long day.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 oz (36ml) gin
  • 1 oz (30ml) simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz (15ml) fresh lime juice
  • 34 large basil leaves
  • 3 oz (90ml) soda water
  • Garnish: Spear or thin slice of English cucumber (or other edible skin cucumber)

Instructions

Prepare the garnish:

  • Cut into thick spears about 1”/2.5cm taller than your glass.
  • Use a peeler (or mandoline) to thinly slice the cucumber lengthwise.
  • Add ice cubes to a collins or large rocks glass.
  • Add the cucumber garnish. If aiming for a swirl of cucumber against the side of the glass, place the cucumber in first – use a chop stick or bar spoon to help position it before adding the ice.

For the Cocktail:

  • In a mixing glass, muddle the basil leaves with the simple syrup.
  • Add the lemon juice, lime juice, and gin.
  • Add ice and shake for 30 seconds.
  • Strain into the prepared glass.
  • Top with soda water and serve.

Notes

Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup/200g granulated sugar with 1 cup/235ml hot water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

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