Basil Julep is a refreshing cocktail made using fresh basil leaves and whiskey. It is a take on the classic julep. Make it using my easy recipe (vegan, gluten-free).
Here are some more cocktail recipes that you may like – Mango Habanero Margarita, Rosemary Gin Lemonade, Bailey’s Hot Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Martini, and Spicy Watermelon Margarita.
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About Basil Julep
Basil Julep is a refreshing cocktail drink made with whiskey, fresh basil leaves, sugar, and water. It is a take on the classic mint julep where fresh mint leaves are replaced with basil leaves.
Basil-flavored julep has a sweet, and herbal taste. The basil provides a slight licorice flavor, while the sugar brings out its sweetness. The drink is refreshing and perfect for summertime sipping.
This basil julep recipe is vegan and gluten-free and can be easily doubled or tripled. You can also make it in a large pitcher if making it for a crowd.
Ingredients
Basil – This drink can be made with either fresh or dried basil, however, I personally like to use fresh basil leaves to make it. The summery aroma of basil makes it the perfect warm-weather beverage.
Try to use sweet basil (Italian basil) to make this drink, Thai basil tastes a little bitter.
Whiskey – There are many different types of whiskey that can be used to make a julep, however, bourbon is the most common type of whiskey used in this drink.
Other types of whiskey that can be used include rye, blended scotch, scotch, and Irish whiskey.
I used Chivas Regal (Blended Scotch) and the drink turned out fabulous.
You will also need sugar, ice, and water.
How To Make Basil Julep
Make The Simple Syrup
To a small saucepan add ¼ cup of water and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring often.
Remove the pan from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. Omit this step if using store-bought syrup.
Note – This syrup is good to make 3-4 glasses of the cocktail.
Make The Cocktail
To a large serving glass, add 8-10 large basil leaves, 2 ounces (60 ml) whiskey, and 1 ounce (30 ml) simple syrup.
Use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to mash the basil into the liquid.
Fill the glass with crushed ice and top it with 2 ounces (60 ml) of chilled water. Stir well using a stirrer or a bar spoon.
Check for sugar and add more syrup if you like your drink sweeter.
Garnish with basil leaves or basil sprigs and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make it using dried basil, add 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves while making the simple syrup. Once the syrup is ready, remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 15 minutes for the basil flavors to steep in the syrup. Now strain the syrup using a mesh strainer. Now use this syrup to make the drink and skip adding the fresh basil leaves to the recipe.
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Recipe Card
Basil Julep Recipe
Ingredients
For The Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
For The Cocktail
- 8 large fresh basil leaves
- 2 ounce whiskey (60 ml)
- 1 ounce simple syrup (30 ml)
- crushed ice (as required)
- 2 ounce chilled water (60 ml)
Instructions
Make The Simple Syrup
- To a small saucepan add water and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring often.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. Omit this step if using store-bought syrup.
Make The Cocktail
- To a large serving glass, add basil leaves, whiskey, and simple syrup.
- Use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to mash the basil into the liquid.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice and top it with chilled water. Stir well using a stirrer or a bar spoon.
- Check for sugar and add more syrup if you like your drink sweeter.
- Garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!