Why I Love This Rosemary Basil Gin and Soda Recipe
Do you remember the elegant cocktail hour—an opportunity to relax and enjoy a thoughtfully made drink? I’ve been trying to revive that quiet ritual at my place, experimenting with simple, herb-forward cocktails that feel seasonal and fresh. With spring approaching, I wanted a bright, aromatic drink to replace the usual, uninspired options. That led me to this rosemary basil gin and soda, a light, bubbly cocktail that highlights fresh herbs from the garden.
On my farm I grow a variety of herbs and I’m always looking for creative ways to use them in the kitchen. Herbs are incredibly versatile and often overlooked; their concentrated, lively flavors are perfect for infusions. This gin and soda is one of my favorite ways to showcase basil and rosemary together—herbaceous, slightly savory, and balanced by citrus and soda.
Gin is a natural match for garden herbs. Its crisp, botanical character complements rosemary and basil without overpowering them. I prefer a quality gin—better spirits make a clear difference in simple mixed drinks. This recipe is essentially a sparkling, herbed lemonade: the herb-infused simple syrup brings depth while lemon brightens and soda adds refreshing effervescence.
The combination may seem novel if you haven’t tried savory herbs in cocktails, but it’s approachable. Once you taste the balance of fresh basil, piney rosemary, tart lemon, and cold soda, you’ll find yourself making it often all through the warmer months.
Make This Alcohol Free
If you prefer a nonalcoholic version, simply omit the gin and increase the club soda or use a nonalcoholic gin substitute. The rosemary-basil syrup and lemon still deliver the same bright herbal flavor, so the drink is just as satisfying without alcohol.
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
To serve – Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the herb-infused gin mixture, then top with chilled club soda. Garnish with a sprig of basil or rosemary to release aroma as you sip.
To store – Keep the rosemary-basil simple syrup or the infused gin base tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Add soda only when you are ready to serve so the drink stays fizzy.
More Drink Recipes
- Garden Mint Tea
- Venetian Lemonade
- Grapefruit Gin Spritzer
- Pomegranate Champagne Punch
- White Sangria with Summer Fruit
- Hugo Spritz
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it at your table. If you make it, please leave a comment and rating so others can see how it turned out for you. Sharing feedback helps others feel confident to try it too.
Rosemary Basil Gin and Soda
Ingredients
For the rosemary basil-infused simple syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 6-8 basil leaves
For the gin fizz
- 2 oz rosemary basil-infused simple syrup (see above)
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- club soda as desired
Instructions
For the simple syrup
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Combine water, sugar, rosemary sprigs, and basil leaves in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the herbs.
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Strain the syrup to remove the herbs and allow it to cool. Store the syrup chilled until ready to use.
For the gin and soda
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In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz rosemary-basil syrup, 2 oz gin, and 1 oz fresh lemon juice. Shake briefly, pour into a glass over ice, and top with club soda. Garnish with a fresh basil or rosemary sprig.
Video
Notes
- The rosemary-basil simple syrup yields about four servings of syrup, enough for multiple drinks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!