This is a favorite martini for special occasions or celebrating the end of a long work week. There is nothing like the perfectly fresh combination of lemon and basil. Add the sweet smoothness of elderflower liqueur and you will see why we love this refreshing Lemon Basil Martini.
Anytime I am making a dish with fresh basil, I like to have a little on the side to whip up a couple of these. These are not your old lemon drop martinis filled with sugar. The sweetness that balances out the lemon in this martini is the St. Germain elderflower liqueur. There is no simple syrup or sugar, although a finely-grained sugared rim is an option. For my preference, it’s too much sugar, but it would make a beautiful garnish.
Lemon Basil Martini Ingredients
It is hard to believe such a simple ingredient list can create this delightful drink. You only need fresh lemons, basil leaves, regular vodka, and elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain).
We at Gnarly Roots believe St. Germaine should be a staple liqueur, as its delicate sweetness can soften a martini or cocktail’s often abrupt, sharp taste. We also enjoy it in prosecco, sparkling wine, or champagne. Try this Elderflower & Lime Prosecco for a twist on a bubbly beverage.
I typically only find the St. Germain elderflower liqueur brand, but several others are out there. We would love to hear feedback on trying this martini with other elderflower liqueurs and which one you like most!
For the vodka selection, your favorite brand will work! Both of us are Austin lovers and UT grads. So, we like to support our local Tito’s vodka. Of course, your own preferred premium brand will suit this martini just fine.
I have been working on my citrus trees for the last few years, and I was so proud that last year my lemon tree finally produced 29 lemons! Still waiting on the lime tree to bring me homegrown margaritas…but I have faith that it will happen!
How to Make this Lemon Basil Martini
You will need a martini shaker with a straining feature for making this martini.
For best results, first chill your martini glass. Do this by filling the glass with ice and some water. Let the glass sit while you shake up the martini.
Now, rinse the lemon and basil leaves, and pat them dry. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the shaker. Then, drop the basil leaves into the lemon juice. Muddle until the basil is mashed into the lemon. Next, add the vodka and elderflower liqueur into the shaker. Fill with ice. Shake until the shaker is ice cold. Empty the ice water from the martini glass, which has been chilling with water. Finally, strain the martini into the martini glass. Cheers!
Helpful Notes on Lemons and Serving Suggestions for this Martini
- Depending on how potent, juicy, or large your lemons are, you may need more or less than a whole lemon. They aren’t all created equal. Not only that, some people like more or less of a tang. In general, I believe in serving your guests first, but sometimes when making drinks with fresh citrus, I may make my own first to see how it tastes then tailor it for the next one as needed.
- Need to update your barware? Check out this citrus squeezer and bartender set.
- Not only is it delicious to drink, but a martini glass adds to the visual appeal of this lemon basil martini. If you don’t have a martini glass you love, consider upgrading with these martini glasses.
- For an Italian flair, pair this with this delicious Bean Bruschetta rich with pancetta, garlic, and sage as a heavy appetizer. For something a little lighter, try Captain Ric’s Marinated Party Shrimp. Or both together for a well-rounded happy hour!
Lemon Basil Martini
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
3 oz Vodka
1 oz St. Germain Elderflower liqueur (or similar brand)
4 – 6 leaves of fresh basil (depending how large they are)
Juice of 1/2 – 1 lemon (depending how large and juicy they are)
Instructions
- You will need a martini shaker with a straining feature for making this martini.
- For best results, first chill your martini glass. Do this by filling the glass with ice and some water. Let the glass sit while you shake up the martini.
- Now, rinse the lemon and basil leaves, and pat them dry.
- Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the shaker.
- Then, drop the basil leaves into the lemon juice. Muddle until the basil is mashed into the lemon.
- Next, add the vodka and elderflower liqueur into the shaker. Fill with ice.
- Shake until the shaker is ice cold.
- Empty the ice water from the martini glass, which has been chilling with water.
- Finally, strain the martini into the martini glass. Cheers!
- Prep Time: 5
