For a refreshingly simple cocktail that’s citrusy, bubbly, and herbaceous try the Basil Limoncello Cocktail!

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The Basil Limoncello Cocktail

This cocktail is a burst of refreshing citrus flavors balanced by herbaceous basil with an effervescent finish. The best part? It’s only six ingredients, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already. So, upgrade your happy hour with the Basil Limoncello Cocktail which features a standout ingredient you won’t want to forget!

If you’re curious about what makes this cocktail really shine, let me tell ya! Add a splash of limoncello to this libation for an exciting element that really gives this cocktail depth.

What To Pair With Limoncello

Limoncello is such a fun ingredient to use in a cocktail especially if you’re a citrus fanatic like myself. The taste of this liqueur is smooth with tart notes and a slightly sweet finish. If you’ve never tried it, the Basil Limoncello Cocktail is the perfect recipe to enjoy it in! 

This brightly colored liqueur comes from Southern Italy and is typically enjoyed as an aperitif which means it’s consumed before a meal. Limoncello is a very versatile liqueur that can be paired with a plethora of other spirits or sipped on solo! Plus, you can also use limoncello when you’re cooking or baking too. But my favorite way to relish this liqueur is with premium vodka. 

P.S. you can make limoncello from scratch! All you need are lemon peels and vodka. Click here to DIY limoncello.

Ingredients for the Basil Limoncello Cocktail

The Basil Limoncello Cocktail is all about fresh ingredients like basil, lemon juice, and limoncello! Find out what I used to create this unique cocktail

• Basil: pick up some fresh basil leaves from the grocery store (or your herb garden) and muddle it to release the herbs essence and earthy flavors. 
• Lemon juice: fresh squeezed lemon juice will add a burst of tart notes. Feel free to adjust accordingly depending on how tart you like your drinks. 
• Limoncello: add a splash of limoncello for a exciting addition. For this recipe I used IL Tramonto Limoncello which is lighter liqueur that boasts the freshest citrus flavors with a slightly sweetened finish. Plus, this brand is gluten-free with a lower ABV of 30%. 
• Agave: for a subtly sweet flavor include a bit of agave. You can substitute this ingredient for simple syrup or honey if you want something a little sweeter. 
• Vodka: Add your preferred brand of vodka. You can also exchange this ingredient for gin. But I recommend a premium vodka like Grey Goose. 
• Sparkling water: top this cocktail with some carbonation. Use your favorite sparkling water (or club soda). I recommend used sparkling water like La Croix or San Peligrino 
• Lemon wheel and basil leaf: for the garnish, add a lemon wheel and basil leaf, if desired.

How to Make the Basil Limoncello Cocktail

Get your cocktail shaker and muddler ready and let’s make this exciting libation! 

To make this delicious drink, start by adding the fresh basil leaves and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker and muddle. This releases fresh, earthy flavors. Next, add the limoncello, vodka, agave and ice to the shaker and shake until the outside is chilled. 

Prepare two glasses with fresh ice and divide the mixture. Top the glasses with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with lemon slices and basil and enjoy!

More Vodka Recipes to Try

• Cucumber Vodka Soda
• Raspberry Rose Lemon Drop
• Basil Cucumber Vodka Gimlet

If you’re interested in taking Insta-worthy photos of your cocktails too, check out my free training on how to take Food & Drink Photos on a Budget!

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