How to Incorporate Herbs Into a Gin Rickey

gin rickey cocktail with fresh herbs in a highball glass

Herbs open a world of flavor possibilities in a gin rickey, transforming the classic highball into something uniquely vibrant or aromatic. Whether you reach for basil, mint, rosemary, or thyme, each herb brings its own personality—some amplify gin botanicals, others add garden-fresh contrast, and a few can round off sharp citrus edges. How you add herbs, and which ones you choose, can make all the difference.

Why Herbs Work So Well in a Gin Rickey

The gin rickey is all about clarity—a backbone of gin, tangy lime, and sparkling soda. Its clean profile means subtle herbal notes won’t get drowned out, letting you highlight flavors you love or complement the gin’s natural botanicals. Fresh herbs add aroma as much as taste, so even a gentle muddle or expressive garnish can change the experience.

Top Herbs for Gin Rickey Variations

Basil: Sweet and peppery, basil lifts citrus and echoes the green, savory notes found in many gins.
Mint: Offers a cooling effect and intense aroma, brightening up the drink without overpowering.
Rosemary: Adds pine and resin notes, especially great with London Dry style gins.
Thyme: Earthy, subtly floral—pairs beautifully with citrus-forward or cucumber gins.
Lemongrass or Lemon Verbena: Echo lime zest and complement herbal gins for a fragrant finish.

Each herb interacts differently: soft leaves like basil and mint release flavor quickly with gentle muddling or shaking, while woody herbs like rosemary and thyme benefit from expressing or infusing before use.

Techniques for Adding Herbs

Muddle gently: For basil, mint, or tarragon, lightly press a few leaves in the bottom of your glass or shaker to release oils—avoid shredding.
Express as garnish: Slap a sprig of rosemary or thyme between your hands, then insert as a garnish for maximum aroma and minimal bitterness.
Infuse your simple syrup: For a subtle but persistent flavor, steep a handful of herbs in hot simple syrup (let stand 30 minutes, then strain and cool).
Shake with the gin: For more intense herbal notes, shake the gin with well-washed leaves and fine-strain into the glass.

Basil Gin Rickey Recipe

This basil gin rickey uses sweet basil, whose peppery green notes blend beautifully with botanical gin and lime. Adjust sweetener and herbs to taste for your preferred intensity.

60 ml gin (London Dry or contemporary style)
30 ml fresh lime juice
10 ml simple syrup (optional, or use basil-infused for extra flavor)
6–8 fresh basil leaves
90–120 ml chilled soda water
Ice cubes
Extra basil sprig (garnish)

Gently muddle basil leaves and simple syrup at the bottom of a shaker (or a tall mixing glass if you prefer no shards).
Add gin and fresh lime juice. Fill with ice and shake (or stir) briefly.
Fine strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
Top with soda water, give a gentle stir, and garnish with fresh basil sprig.

basil gin rickey with fresh basil garnish in highball glass

Sweet Basil Gin Rickey: A Subtle, Aromatic Variation

To create a slightly sweeter, more aromatic basil gin rickey, the secret lies in a basil-infused simple syrup. This approach preserves the herb’s freshness and infuses the drink evenly with its green, peppery tones.

60 ml gin
30 ml lime juice
15 ml basil simple syrup (see tip below)
90–120 ml soda water
Ice
Basil leaf or aromatic basil flower (garnish)

Shake or stir gin, lime juice, and basil syrup briefly with ice.
Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
Top with soda and garnish with a basil leaf or edible basil flower.

To make basil simple syrup, combine 50 ml water and 50 ml sugar in a saucepan. Add a generous handful (about 15 leaves) of fresh basil. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves, then let steep 20–30 minutes off heat. Cool, strain, and store chilled.

Tips for Pairing Herbs and Gin

Citrusy, floral gins match best with soft herbs (basil, mint, tarragon).
Classic piney London Dry styles welcome bolder herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme.
Keep sweeteners light. If your herb has natural sweetness (sweet basil, lemon balm), a touch of syrup goes far.
Garnish with a fresh sprig and express essential oils over the glass by slapping it gently before use.

assortment of fresh herbs for cocktails on marble

Flavor Combinations for Experimentation

Basil + black pepper: Layer in a few cracks of fresh pepper for a savory, mouthwatering twist.
Cucumber + dill or tarragon: Combine with a cucumber-forward gin for a garden-fresh profile.
Mint + lemon verbena: For a wildly aromatic, herbal-citrus cocktail.
Rosemary + grapefruit zest: Amplifies the pine and citrus notes in both herb and gin.

Experiment with different combinations and record what you like. Always taste as you go—herb potency varies by season and freshness. The gin rickey’s flexibility makes it a perfect platform for discovering your personal favorite herbaceous highball.