This herbal take on the margarita is a garden lovers dream cocktail. It’s perfect for summer, especially if you happen to grow fresh basil and strawberries. This is a light and refreshing cocktail that is easy to drink on a hot summer day.
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What gin to use?
In this margarita variation I chose to use gin to better compliment the fruit and herbal flavors. All gins are made with botanicals so any gin could work well in this cocktail. I used McQueen and The Violet Fog gin for this cocktail which actually uses herbs like basil and rosemary so it was a perfect fit.
How to make a strawberry syrup
Think the idea of making your own syrups is intimidating? It’s much easier than you might think. A fresh home made strawberry syrup can be made at home quickly with only three ingredients. All you need is fresh strawberries, sugar and water.
🍹 Home Bar Supplies You Might Need: 🍹
Before you start whipping out the ingredients to make this drink, make sure you have these essential bar tools in your kitchen first (or shop for them here):
To make the syrup just add two cups of strawberries, one cup of sugar and one cup of water to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil then reduce to medium/low heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the liquid into a jar or container separating the left over strawberries. Discard of left over strawberries. Store your syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Looking for more recipes using this simple strawberry syrup? Try my Strawberry Aperol Spritz.
The perfect margarita rim
I love a salted rim but you can leave it out if you prefer. You can also replace the salt with sugar for a sweeter take on this one. One thing I love to do when adding salt or sugar to the rim of a cocktail is adding fresh lime zest. It really adds something extra to the flavors of the cocktail and looks prettier too.
Any quality coarse salt is great for the rim of your margarita. To get the salt or sugar to stick just glide a lime wedge around the edge or the glass before dipping into the salt mixture.
Looking for more ideas for margaritas? Try this Pineapple Margarita or a refreshing Watermelon Margarita this summer.
Strawberry Basil Ginerita Recipe
Strawberry Basil Ginerita
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz strawberry syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3-5 basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lime zest for rim
- 2 tablespoons pink Himalayan salt for rim
Instructions
- Add salt and lime zest to a plate and mix well.
- Run a lime wedge around the edge of a glass and dip into mixture. Set aside.
- Add basil leaves to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle.
- Add gin, orange liqueur, syrup, lime juice and ice.
- Shake and strain into prepared glass with ice.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
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