This orange gin cocktail is bursting with citrus and refreshing flavors. It’s the perfect drink on a hot summer day, made with simple ingredients, and great for parties or thirsty Thursday.
Orange, lemon, and basil are the stars of this cocktail. The combination seems odd, but after discovering how delicious Orange Basil infused water can be, I had an idea that it might be possible to make it even better…with gin! Even my anti-gin husband asked for a second drink when I mixed up these beauties. It’s the perfect cocktail to pair with grilled shrimp skewers or a Chinese chicken salad.
Another one of my favorite gin cocktail recipes is the Gorgeous Empress Gin Cocktail. Literally the gorgeous color is mesmerizing and guests go crazy for it. It does take a little more skill and not as easy as the classic cocktail, but definitely worth trying.
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🍸 Ingredients:
- fresh orange – navel oranges or blood oranges can be used.
- fresh lemon – Meyers lemons are naturally sweeter, but you can use any variety.
- basil leaves
- dry gin – any brand will work.
- simple syrup – use my recipe to make your own simple syrup.
- club soda – see the variations section for other options.
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements, 📋 please view my printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Optional Garnish:
Garnish this delicious cocktail with an orange wedge, twisted orange peel (or other citrus peel), and/or a basil leaf.
Substitutions and Variations
- Tonic water – can be swapped in place of the club soda, but may make this orange cocktail slightly more bitter, but pairs well when making gin and tonic cocktails.
- Soda water – doesn’t have salt and minerals like club soda, but would still be a great way to add the carbonation factor.
- Lemon juice – you can tell a big difference between freshly muddled and store-bought lemon juice, but if that’s what you have it will work.
- More citrus flavor – use a simple orange syrup.
🔪 Instructions:
Step 1: Add the orange and lemon slices to a highball glass and muddle.
Step 2: Pour in the gin and simple syrup, then stir.
Pro Tip: The process of muddling brings out the natural oils, juices, and flavor of the fruits and herbs so don’t skip that step!
Step 3: Add a few ice cubes. Pour in the club soda to top off the drink.
GARNISH: Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!
Recipe Tips for Gin Orange Cocktail
- Do not add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. This will make the club soda go flat.
- Be careful when muddling in the bottom of the glass so it doesn’t break. You can also muddle with the gin and syrup in a cocktail shaker and then transfer to a cocktail glass before adding the ice and club soda.
- You could turn this easy cocktail recipe into a large pitcher if you are making a bigger batch for a crowd.
Fun Fact
While there are a ton of botanticals that can be used to make gin, juniper berries are usually the main ingredient. – Wolf Lane Distillery
Recipe FAQs
This is really a personal preference in terms of taste and budget. Beefeater gin is normally used in well drinks when at the bar, while Tanqueray and Bombay are considered call and used in intermediate cocktails. Hendrik’s, being premium, is the star ingredient in gin & tonic recipes.
Honestly any citrus juice can pair well with gin. Fresh lemon juice is added to make the Tom Collins old fashioned recipe, while cranberry juice and a sprig of rosemary would be more appropriate for the fall and winter months.
More Summer Drinks You’ll Love
If you tried this Orange Gin Cocktail Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below.
Orange Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 slices fresh orange
- 2 slices fresh lemon
- 2 basil leaves
- 1.5 ounces dry gin
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- 4 ounces club soda
Instructions
- Muddle orange and lemon slices and basil leaves in a cocktail glass.
- Add gin and simple syrup and stir.
- Top with ice and club soda.
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Notes
- Do not add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. This will make the club soda go flat.
- Be careful when muddling in the bottom of the glass so it doesn’t break. You can also muddle with the gin and syrup in a cocktail shaker and then transfer to a cocktail glass before adding the ice and club soda.
- You could turn this easy cocktail recipe into a large pitcher if you are making a bigger batch for a crowd.
Nutrition
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