Name: Hibiscus & Thai Basil Gimlet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 6 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated white sugar; ½ cup water; 1 oz Thai basil leaves, washed; 1 tea bag dried hibiscus; 2 oz gin; 1 oz fresh lime juice; ¾ oz Hibiscus & Thai Basil syrup (or 1 oz for sweeter taste); 1 oz club soda; Thai basil sprigs; 1 tsp lime zest mixed into 1 tbsp sugar (for glass rim, optional)

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Short Description

A vibrant gin cocktail featuring a floral-hibiscus and Thai basil syrup, balanced with lime juice and a hint of effervescence from club soda. Refreshing, aromatic, and colorfully elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, tangy, and botanical—with floral hibiscus and herbaceous basil notes
Richly flavored homemade syrup makes each sip special
Gin and lime create a classic gimlet base with a sophisticated twist
Light effervescence from soda adds refreshing body to the drink

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Hibiscus & Thai Basil Simple Syrup

1 cup granulated white sugar
½ cup water
1 oz Thai basil leaves, washed
1 tea bag dried hibiscus

For the Cocktail

2 oz gin
1 oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz Hibiscus & Thai Basil syrup (use 1 oz for a sweeter version)
1 oz club soda

Garnish

Thai basil sprigs
Lime zest and sugar rim: 1 tsp lime zest finely chopped into 1 tbsp sugar

Directions

Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, dissolve sugar in water. Add the dried hibiscus tea bag. When the syrup turns a deep red hue, add the Thai basil leaves and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring gently.
Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before straining—to let flavors further steep as it cools. Strain out solids. Store syrup in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, fresh lime juice, and ¾–1 oz of your syrup. Stir or swirl without ice to help dissolve the syrup.
Add ice and shake vigorously for about 5 seconds.
Add club soda directly into the shaker and gently stir—do not shake again to preserve carbonation.
Serve: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with Thai basil sprigs. For a citrus-sugar rim, mix finely chopped lime zest into sugar and coat the glass rim before pouring.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Makes 1 cocktail
Prep Time: ~5 minutes to prepare syrup (plus cooling time)
Shake Time: ~1 minute including stirring and shaking
Total Time: ~6 minutes (excluding syrup cooling), plus additional time to chill syrup

Variations

Use vodka or tequila instead of gin for a different base flavor
Swap lime juice with yuzu or grapefruit juice for citrus variation
Add muddled fresh berries or cucumber slices for extra freshness
Try sparkling rosé or champagne instead of club soda for a bubbly twist
Add a pinch of ginger or peppercorns during syrup infusion for spice complexity

Storage/Reheating

Syrup: Store unused Hibiscus & Thai Basil syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month
Cocktail: Best enjoyed fresh; carbonation dissipates quickly—assemble just before serving
No reheating required

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of a tea bag?

Yes—use an equivalent quantity of dried hibiscus petals or fresh ones. Adjust steeping time to taste.

2. Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Absolutely—replace gin with club soda or sparkling water and increase syrup or lime juice slightly for balance.

3. Is it okay to shake the syrup with ice?

The initial swirl without ice helps dissolve syrup. Shaking with ice chills the drink—do not shake again after adding club soda.

4. How tart is this drink overall?

It’s brightly tart from lime and hibiscus, balanced with aromatic basil and sweetness in the syrup. Adjust syrup for either sweeter or more tart balance.

5. Can I prepare the syrup in advance?

Yes—make the syrup ahead and store chilled in the fridge. It keeps well and makes quick assembly easy.

6. Can I omit club soda?

Yes—you can leave it out for a still gimlet. Just stir instead of shake after adding syrup.

7. How can I enhance the basil aroma?

Lightly slap or bruise basil sprigs before garnishing to release their fragrance.

8. Can I rim the glass with something other than lime sugar?

Sure—try salt for a savory edge, or a mix of sugar with matcha powder, citrus zest, or crushed pepper.

9. Can I make this in a pitcher for a party?

Yes—multiply ingredients (excluding club soda) and stir well. Add soda and ice just before serving to retain fizz.

10. Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes—lemon juice works nicely, though the classic flavor profile may shift slightly.

Conclusion

The Hibiscus & Thai Basil Gimlet brings together botanical florals, herbal notes, and a crisp citrus backbone in a stylish cocktail with refreshing complexity. The homemade floral-herb syrup and delicate soda finish elevate a traditional gimlet into a sophisticated, drinkable garden in a glass—perfect for summer evenings and entertaining.

Maggie

Hibiscus & Thai Basil Gimlet