Bangkok G&T (Gin Cocktail with Thai Basil)

By ↣Published On: October 22nd, 2021↣

This Gin & Tonic recipe brings an element of pure South-East Asian fragrance with Thai Basil – a refreshing, light and delicious basil infused cocktail. Shake up your next G&T with this easy cocktail recipe.

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A green cocktail made from Gin and Thai Basil sits on a tablecloth of citrus fruits

This thai basil cocktail I've named a 'Bangkok G&T' transforms a run of the mill gin & tonic into something utterly delicious. Fragrant, floral and completely slurpable this is an amazing way to enjoy gin.

I love Thai cooking and always have a big stash of Thai basil (holy basil) at my disposal. It has all the flavour of Italian basil, with its own unique personality - a little more floral and complex - it's one of my favourite flavours

I actually first tasted this drink in Mexico (far away from Thailand!) a few years back at a fancy bar. I took a picture of the menu to remind myself what was in it, then set to recreating it on our return. While not the same mix as the Mexican version, my version is equally refreshing and delicious!

We've been drinking it since and mixing it up for anyone and everyone who visits. It's a wonderful summer cocktail, but also holds its own in the winter and I just love it! It's pretty simple, with only a few ingredients, and the results are the essence of Thailand in a glass:

  1. Gin - I love Esme gin, a wonderful rounded flavour
  2. Thai Basil
  3. Lemon Juice
  4. Simple Syrup - Make your own or buy simple syrup online
  5. Tonic Water - A good quality brand like Fevertree Tonic helps with flavour too.

It's lovely poured over ice for a cooling, citrus hit with floral notes. It's pretty much perfect!

What If you can't get Thai basil?

Many Asian stores will stock fresh Thai basil (holy basil), but if you can't get hold of it, you can absolutely substitute it for and Italian version - I've tried both and approve of either!

More tasty cocktail recipes

How to make Bangkok G&T (Gin Cocktail with Thai Basil)

A green cocktail made from Gin and Thai Basil sits on a tablecloth of citrus fruits

Bangkok G&T (Gin Cocktail with Thai Basil)

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4.70 from 10 votes
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Recipe by Lee
Course Cocktail
Cuisine Thai
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings (adjustable) 1
Calories (per serving) | 130

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the basil leaves, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and using a muddler, muddle the leaves to break up a little.
  • Strain the liquid into a high ball glass filled with ice. Some of the smaller pieces of basil will escape but that's OK.
  • Top up the glass with tonic water, stir and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal (7%) | Carbohydrates: 33g (11%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 24mg (1%) | Potassium: 306mg (9%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 22g (24%) | Vitamin A: 424IU (8%) | Vitamin C: 15mg (18%) | Calcium: 29mg (3%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
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A green cocktail made from Gin and Thai Basil sits on a tablecloth of citrus fruits

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