Basil Limoata Recipe
VKA vodka, lime juice, basil infused simple syrup, club soda and a pinch of salt. Garnished with fresh basil.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Basil-Infused Simple Syrup
Cocktail
Method
Basil-Infused Simple Syrup
Make syrup
Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer (do not boil vigorously).
Infuse basil
Remove the pan from heat and immediately add 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves. Press the leaves gently into the syrup with a spoon to submerge them. Let the basil steep in the hot syrup for 20 minutes for a bright herbal flavor; steep up to 45 minutes for a stronger basil note.
Strain and cool
After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container, pressing leaves to extract liquid. Discard solids. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold. Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Assemble the Basil Limoata
Chill a highball or Collins glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail (optional).
If chilled, empty the glass of the ice water and fill it with fresh ice (about 1 cup).
Add 2 oz VKA vodka, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz basil simple syrup, and a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) fine salt directly into the glass over ice. The salt brightens citrus and basil flavors.
Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 10 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
Top with about 2 oz club soda (more or less to taste) and gently lift-stir once to integrate without flattening the carbonation.
Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and an optional lime wheel. Clap the basil between your palms once before garnishing to release the aromatics.
Serve immediately with a short straw or without, advising the drinker to give a gentle stir before sipping if the syrup has settled.