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A Lemon Basil Cooler cocktail is the quintessential refreshing blend of zesty lemon and aromatic basil! Made with an easy basil simple syrup, this summer sipper has tangy citrus notes with a delicate herbaceous flavor. Served over ice, the bubbly lemon basil cocktail is the ideal balance for any gathering.
about this lemon basil cocktail
There’s something magical about pairing lemon and basil in a cocktail. The fresh lemon brings tart, citrusy brightness while the basil adds a subtle floral, peppery note that makes each sip complex but refreshing.
This recipe makes the most of summer’s basil bounty with an easy homemade basil simple syrup. I love keeping a jar of it on hand, because it’s not just for cocktails! It’s also great in lemonade, iced tea, and even drizzled over vanilla ice cream. Nothing like getting your money’s worth out of some basil leaves, water, and sugar, am I right??
This lemon basil cocktail is perfect for:
- A light happy hour drink
- Pairing with grilled summer meals
- Or sipping while you sit in the sunshine with a good playlist
2025 update: First shared on September 12, 2014, this recipe has been one of the most-loved on the site. It has been updated to include new tips, clearer instructions, and fresh photos. Because even great recipes deserve a little glow-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This zesty, herbaceous cocktail is summer in a glass and couldn’t be easier to whip up.
- Light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather
- Uses fresh, seasonal basil for a vibrant twist
- Made with just 4 simple ingredients
- Easily batched for parties or gatherings
- A gorgeous, photo-worthy drink that feels fancy but is foolproof
ingredients
fresh basil simple syrup. This recipe calls for a homemade basil simple syrup made with fresh basil leaves, as this is where the basil flavor comes in! It is very simple to make like a regular simple syrup, you will simply add basil leaves to the 1:1 mixture of sugar and water.
lemon juice. I always recommend fresh lemon juice because store-bought tends to taste a lot more sour, in my opinion at least.
vodka. Pick the best vodka that is in your price range! Since you are using this vodka in a cocktail, I recommend a mid range option like Tito’s or Absolut (splurge for Absolut Elyx if you want to!).
club soda. Club soda, sparkling water, soda water – these are all different names for the same thing! I usually make my own with a SodaStream but you can also buy it at your local grocery or liquor store.
this recipe’s must haves
All you need for this recipe is standard barware including a jigger for measuring ingredients, a cocktail shaker (I prefer a Boston cocktail shaker), and a cocktail strainer. Since you get the fresh basil flavor from the basil simple syrup, there’s no need for a muddler to muddle basil leaves.
You will also need your favorite large cocktail glasses. This could be highball glasses or even pint glasses if that’s what you have on hand. To really elevate the cocktail, serve them in chilled glasses.
Did you know? If you don’t have a shaker, you can use a mason jar instead!
here’s how to make a lemon basil cocktail
make basil simple syrup
Combine sugar, water, and basil leaves in a saucepan. Simmer (do not boil!) until the sugar dissolves. Let steep 10 minutes, strain, and cool.
shake
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add basil simple syrup, lemon juice, and vodka. Shake for 15 to 30 seconds until chilled.
strain
Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with lemon wheel and basil sprig, if desired.
More tasty simple syrup recipes: Lemon Simple Syrup | Strawberry Simple Syrup | Cherry Simple Syrup | Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Tips for Success
use fresh lemon juice. With only four ingredients, there’s not a lot of places for ingredients to hide in this mixed lemon basil cocktail. Therefore, fresh ingredients are preferred. You can even pick up some seedless lemons if you want to make juicing them infinitely easier!
use fresh basil. As stated above, fresh ingredients are preferred! I do not recommend using dried basil for the simple syrup as the flavor can come out a little bitter.
make the basil simple syrup ahead of time. The basil simple syrup used in this recipe lasts for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Therefore, it’s an easy element to make ahead of time if you are planning to make this cocktail for a party. It’s also a wonderful way to prep for making this cocktail whenever the mood strikes you!
FAQs
Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
💬 behind the recipe
I created this cocktail after an “oops, too much basil” gardening moment. As a recipe developer and cocktail enthusiast, I love experimenting with herbs in drinks because they add depth without overcomplicating things. This cocktail quickly became a favorite for summer BBQs, and the basil simple syrup is now a go-to in my kitchen for everything from cocktails to mocktails and even drizzling over fruit salads.
what to serve with a lemon basil cooler cocktail
A lemon basil cocktail is a little tart, a little tangy, and has a touch of fresh herby flavor. Therefore, I like to pair this drink with appetizers/desserts that are light and bright OR heavier mains that could use a light drink to counter their richness.
For a party, air fryer scallops with chive lemon butter are an easy recipe to elevate a gathering. You can serve them on their own or with a little pasta. If you want more of a party bite-sized appetizer, consider tomato peach bruschetta or avocado bruschetta as lighter options that are handheld.
If you are looking to serve this cocktail with dinner, I feel like bbq is the best option for that savory richness. Classic dishes like a pulled pork burger or apple cider ribs are favorites, or mix things up with bbq short rib tacos.
looking for more drinks with basil in them?
Blackberry Basil Bourbon Smash
Strawberry Basil Frozen Daiquiris
Finally, if you make this lemon basil cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
everyday seasonal cookbook
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lemon basil cooler
ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 12 to 14 basil leaves
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 1/2 oz basil simple syrup
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 oz club soda soda water, sparkling water, etc
- Garnish: lemon wheels basil sprig
instructions
- To create the simple syrup, combine sugar, water, and basil leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and cool completely before using.
- To create the cocktail, add basil lemon simple syrup, vodka, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish as desired.
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about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
Basil is such a versatile herb and I love it mixed with lemon!! My kids even enjoyed this drink, albeit without the vodka, and they thought it was great too! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jennifer! So glad you and your kids liked it! 🙂