I’ve officially reached my summer peak with this recipe — it’s the cocktail I’ll be drinking all season. You can find me by the beach with a giant pitcher of these, sipping and trying to tan.
Just kidding. Kind of.
Have you had a Tom Collins? The basics are simple syrup, lemon juice, gin, and club soda. Delicious as-is, but this version elevates the cocktail into pure summer bliss.
This is easily my favorite cocktail. Whenever I make the effort to craft a proper drink — more than just pouring boxed wine into a glass — this is what I make.
Two small additions transform a classic Tom Collins into something magical:
- A basil-infused simple syrup — you already need simple syrup for a Tom Collins, so steep basil in it for extra freshness.
- Muddled blueberries and basil at the bottom of the glass — they add flavor, color, and a delightful texture.
Muddle the blueberries and basil in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add the gin, lemon juice, basil simple syrup, and club soda. Pile on crushed ice, stir gently, and garnish with extra blueberries and basil if you like.
Blueberry Basil Tom Collins
A fresh twist on the classic Tom Collins: basil-infused simple syrup plus muddled basil and blueberries. Summer in a glass.
- Author: Annie Chesson
Ingredients
For the basil-infused simple syrup
- 15 basil leaves
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
For each cocktail
- 2 tablespoons blueberries
- 5 basil leaves
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3/4 oz basil-infused simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
Instructions
For the basil simple syrup
- Add the sugar, water, and basil leaves to a small pot and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature with the basil still steeping. Strain before using if desired.
For each cocktail
- Add the blueberries and basil leaves to the bottom of a rocks glass and muddle thoroughly until the berries break down and the basil releases its aroma.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and basil simple syrup, then top with club soda.
- Add a large scoop of crushed ice and gently stir to combine and chill the drink.
- Garnish with extra blueberries and a few basil leaves for a pretty, aromatic finish.
If you make this or any of my other recipes, be sure to Instagram it and tag @thegarlicdiaries so I can see!