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    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Global Beverages » Basil Julep Cocktail

    Published: Jun 23, 2022 | Last Updated On: Sep 14, 2023 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Basil Julep Cocktail

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    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).

    Basil Julep served in a glass.
    Jump to:
    • About Basil Julep
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Basil Julep
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    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.

    Here are some more cocktail recipes that you may like

    • Mango Habanero Margarita
    • Rosemary Gin Lemonade
    • Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
    • Pumpkin Spice Martini
    • Spicy Watermelon Margarita
    • Blueberry Mojito
    • Mango Mojito
    • Tamarind Margarita
    • Mango Martini

    Ingredients

    Basil julep 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 granulated white 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 white sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring often.

    Sugar and water heating in a pan.

    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.

    Ready sugar syrup.

    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.

    Basil leaves, whiskey and sugar syrup added to a tall glass.

    Use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to mash the basil into the liquid.

    Muddling the basil leaves with a muddler.

    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.

    Glass filled with ice.

    Garnish with basil leaves or basil sprigs and serve immediately.

    Ready basil julep.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to make basil julep using dried basil?

    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.

    Can I make a virgin version of this basil cocktail?

    Yes, just skip adding the alcohol and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

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    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Basil Julep is a refreshing cocktail made using basil and whiskey. It is a take on the classic mint julep. Make it using my easy recipe.

    Basil Julep Cocktail Recipe

    Basil Julep is a refreshing cocktail made using fresh basil leaves and whiskey. It is a take on the classic mint julep. Make it using my easy recipe.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: American, Continental
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cooling Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 24 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 people
    Calories: 218kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    For The Simple Syrup

    • ¼ cup granulated white sugar
    • ¼ cup water

    For The Cocktail

    • 8 large fresh Italian basil leaves
    • 2 ounce whiskey (60 ml)
    • 1 ounce simple syrup (30 ml)
    • crushed ice (as required)
    • 2 ounce chilled water (60 ml)
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    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.

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=advJvpukfsg

    Notes

    The crushed basil leaves will keep floating in the drink. You can strain the drink if you don’t want the leaves to come into your mouth while sipping.
    The syrup is good to make 3-4 glasses of the cocktail. You can store the leftover sugar syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 15 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 18mg | Sugar: 21g | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
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