This Basil Lemon Martini is the epitome of summer cocktails and one you will want to have over and over and serve your guests too! It only takes minutes and it’s a twist on a classic vodka martini that perfectly combines lemons and basil. And it’s even more refreshing and flavourful thanks to the homemade basil simple syrup made with fresh basil leaves.

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What is a basil lemon martini?

This easy cocktail is a quick twist on a classic martini. This cocktail, thanks to the sweet and pungent flavour of the basil leaves and the sour and tart flavour of the lemon, is the perfect mix of sweet and sour in a drink! The perfect lemon basil vodka drink to add to your cocktail recipes

Are lemons good for you? What about basil?

Lemons are amazing citrus fruits that are full of nutrients and great for our bodies. Lemons are:

• high in vitamin C,
• high in fibre and plant compounds;
• can support heart health & digestive health;
• prevent kidney stones;
• may lower cholesterol;
• protect against anaemia;
• can reduce cancer risk. (Healthline)

Basil is a herb native to India, Asia and Africa. You can find more than 60 varieties of it, which have different uses, from cooking to drinks and medicine. The most common varieties are sweet, Thai, Greek, and lettuce basil. Basil is:

• rich in antioxidants and magnesium;
• can help regulate blood sugar;
• can prevent heart disease;
• can reduce inflammation;
• can help lower cholesterol;
• protect against infections;
• improve the immune system. (WebMD)

What is the difference between a classic martini and this basil lemon martini? What’s the difference between this lemon basil vodka cocktail and a lemon drop martini?

A classic martini by bartender’s standards is made with gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or lemon twist. A popular variation is a vodka martini and this basil lemon martini is a twist on this recipe.

While a basil lemon drop martini is made of triple sec, vodka, simple syrup and lemon juice. So similar to the basil lemon martini, but with an add-on to the vodka.

What ingredients do I need for this lemon basil martini?

This basil lemon martini requires very few ingredients. First and foremost, fresh basil leaves, which you will need with water and white sugar for the basil simple syrup. Then you will need vodka and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Can I substitute anything in this vodka cocktail recipe?

This cocktail requires very few ingredients, so substitutions are very few. Fresh lemon juice can be substituted for bottled lemon juice, but the lemon flavour will be more subtle and different. Vodka can be substituted for gin, white rum or dry vermouth.

The granulated sugar can be substituted for brown sugar, but it will give a caramel flavour to your basil simple syrup and might be overpowering.

What equipment will I need for this basil lemon martini recipe?

This basil lemon martini cocktail only requires a few pieces of equipment that you can find in most kitchens. You will start off with a small pan to make your basil simple syrup, then a small bottle to transfer the simple syrup in and a strainer. Then you will need a cocktail shaker and a chilled martini glass to serve.

How to make a basil lemon martini recipe

Start off by making your basil simple syrup. In a pan, add the basil leaves, sugar and water. Heat over medium heat and stir while bringing it to a simmer, never to a boil. Continue for another 5 minutes on the stove, so that the basil leaves will infuse the liquid. When it’s ready, sieve it and transfer it to an airtight container. 

In a cocktail shaker, add the ice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, basil syrup and vodka. Mix well until the shaker will become cold in your hands. 

In a chilled martini glass, use a slice of lemon to create a rim of juice around the glass and then dip in sugar to create your sugar rim. Pour your basil lemon martini inside, garnish with a slice of lemon or basil leaf and enjoy! 

Can I avoid making the basil simple syrup and only muddle basil leaves?

The basil simple syrup is what actually gives this basil lemon martini its distinctive sweet and sour flavour. If you were only to muddle the leaves, the basil wouldn’t come out in the cocktail and only be overpowered by the lemon juice.

Any other lemon or basil recipes to recommend?

• lavender lemon ice cream
• easy strawberry lemonade
• strawberry basil & balsamic pie
• lavender lemonade cocktail
• pistachio lemon cake
• peach hand pies with basil