Basil Julep Cocktail Recipe
Basil Julep is a refreshing cocktail made with fresh basil leaves and whiskey. It is a take on the classic julep. Use my easy recipe to make it.
You may like more cocktail recipes: Mango Habanero Margarita, Rosemary Gin Lemonade, Bailey’s Hot Chocolate, and Pumpkin Pie Spice Martini.
About Basil Julep
Basil Julep is a refreshing cocktail 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.
Ingredients
Basil – This drink can be made with fresh or dried basil. I like to use fresh basil leaves. The summery aroma of basil makes it the perfect warm-weather beverage.
Try to use sweet basil (also known as Italian basil) to make this drink; Thai basil has a slightly bitter taste.
Whiskey – Many different types of whiskey can be used to make a julep, but bourbon is the most common.
Other types of whiskey include rye, blended 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 to make this basil julep recipe.
How To Make Basil Flavored 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.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. Omit this step if using store-bought syrup.
Note – This syrup makes 3-4 glasses of the cocktail.
Make The Cocktail
To a large serving glass, add 8-10 large Italian 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 prefer a sweeter drink.
Garnish your basil julep with basil leaves or basil sprigs and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves while making the simple syrup. Once the syrup is ready, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 15 minutes for the basil flavors to steep in the syrup. Strain the syrup using a mesh strainer. Use this syrup to make the drink, and skip adding the fresh basil leaves to the recipe.
Yes, skip adding the alcohol and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
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Basil Julep Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
For The Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup water
For The Cocktail
- 8 large fresh Italian basil leaves
- 2 ounces whiskey (60 ml)
- 1 ounce simple syrup (30 ml)
- crushed ice (as required)
- 2 ounces 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.