An awesome blueberry gin cocktail with a touch of fresh basil.
Gin cocktails are absolutely delicious this time of year, and this gorgeous basil blueberry gin sour cocktail is no exception. This recipe makes one basil blueberry gin sour, and comes together in just minutes (once the blueberry simple syrup is ready). If you prefer a traditional blueberry gin sour, simply omit the basil!
This recipe requires fresh basil leaves, gin, blueberry simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and egg white. That’s it! Blueberry simple syrup is simple (ha!) to make, and I have an entire post with step-by-step instructions about it right here. Or you could watch this reel on Instagram for a quick run-down. I also break it down for you in this post if you don’t feel like clicking on any links. 🙂
Ingredients
(for one cocktail)
3-4 fresh Basil Leaves*
2 oz. Gin
1 oz. Blueberry Simple Syrup
1 oz. fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Egg White**
*I used purple basil for the cocktail in these photos, but any basil will work – even Thai basil!
**Egg white creates a creamy texture within the cocktail and a foamy top layer. It can be substituted with the liquid from a can of chickpeas (aquafaba) – use about 1 tablespoon. Egg white can also be omitted from the recipe, but the texture of the cocktail will be different and less creamy.
How to Make a Basil Blueberry Sour (Makes 1)
- Carefully place two coupe glasses in the freezer to chill for five minutes.
2. Combine the basil leaves, gin, blueberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white in a DRY cocktail shaker (no ice)*.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds.
4. Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for another 20-30 seconds.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass, garnish with a basil leaf and/or a fresh lemon slice, and serve immediately.
*This is considered a dry shake because the ingredients are shaken together without ice in the shaker. A dry shake is necessary when making cocktails with egg white, as the egg white emulsifies during this step to create a foamy, creamy top layer of the cocktail. The ice is added before a second shake, which is necessary to chill and slightly dilute the cocktail before serving.
Questions and Substitions
Do I have to use Basil?
No, not at all. For a traditional blueberry sour, omit the basil from this recipe. However, you could also substitute the basil with fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, or fresh sage if you’re feeling wild. 🙂
Can I use Vodka?
Yes you can. However, gin provides a beautiful flavor profile to this drink, so I do recommend trying it with gin first. Vodka is tasteless, so it won’t deliver the same result, but you’re welcome to use it if you prefer.
How do I make Blueberry Simple Syrup?
This link will take you to a full step-by-step blog post and recipe card for homemade blueberry simple syrup. If you don’t feel like leaving, here it is in a nutshell:
To make 1/2 cup of blueberry syrup (which will make four Blueberry Gin Sours), combine 1/2 cup sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, add 1 cup fresh blueberries with a tiny pinch of salt, stir, then turn the heat down to medium-low and let the blueberries simmer for 10 minutes. Don’t stir or smash the berries – this makes the syrup cloudy. Remove the pan from the heat, let it cool completely, then strain the syrup into a sterilized glass jar. Don’t smash the berries to squeeze out more juice.Discard the blueberries, or keep them and spoon them over ice cream or pancakes. Or ice cream on pancakes. 😉
(You can make the homemade blueberry syrup ahead of time – it will keep for two weeks in the refrigerator).
Does the Lemon Juice have to be Fresh?
Yes. I highly recommend using freshly squeezed citrus juice for ANY cocktail that you make at home. The flavor and freshness makes a huge difference in the flavor and freshness of the drink, and if you’re going to make the effort to create gorgeous cocktails at home, make them the best they can be. You deserve to drink delicious cocktails, and fresh citrus juice is an easy, non-negotiable way to make that happen.
Do I have to use Egg White?
No. A tablespoon of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can be substituted for the egg white. The point of the egg white is to weave a creamy texture throughout the drink, and create a foamy layer on top of the cocktail. You can omit the egg white entirely if you like, but it won’t have the foamy top layer nor the creamy texture.
More Fun Cocktail Recipes
Aperol Sour Cocktail
Eastside Cocktail
Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
Blueberry Cilantro Margarita
Man O’ War Bourbon Cocktail
If you make this blueberry gin cocktail and love it, a recipe rating and comment below would be amazing! I would also love to see your cocktails on Instagram if you tag me! And as always, feel free to reach out to me via email with any specific questions; I am more than happy to help in any way!
Cheers! xx Sara
Basil Blueberry Gin Sour
Equipment
- 1 Coupe Glass
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Fine Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- 1-2 fresh Basil Leaves
- 2 oz. Gin
- 3/4 oz. Blueberry Simple Syrup
- 3/4 oz. fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz. Egg White or Aquafaba
- 1 Basil Leaf and/or Lemon Slice for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the basil leaves, gin, blueberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white in a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for at least 20-30 seconds.*
- Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake for another 20-30 seconds until very chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass** and garnish with a fresh basil leaf and/or lemon slice.
Notes
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
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