Gin and lemonade is just as simple as you think, but not everyone knows it makes a good combo. The tartness of lemonade complements gin’s botanicals and brightens them up. The citrus acidity pulls the herbs and florals in gin forward in the most delightful way.

This is also a great entry point if you’re still figuring out whether you like gin (you should love gin, and if you don’t, let’s chat more!).

Lemonade tames the more assertive botanical flavors without erasing them completely.

Store-bought vs. fresh lemonade

Fresh-squeezed lemonade is the best. If you make your own, keep it on the tart side. A too-sweet lemonade will make the whole drink cloying.

A simple ratio of 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and 2 oz water is a good base you can batch and store in the fridge.

If you’re using store-bought, Simply Lemonade is the least sweet of the mainstream options.

3-Ingredient Upgrade: Garden Version

Lightly clap two fresh basil leaves between your palms and add them to the glass before building the drink.

The herb adds a slightly peppery herbal note. I grow basil in my garden most of the year and use it in drinks, extracts, and simple syrups. Rosemary works too, especially alongside a more piney gin.

Mocktail Version

Mix together fresh lemonade, sparkling water, and fresh basil. Use roughly 3 parts lemonade to 1 part sparkling water to keep it from getting too thin. A non-alcoholic gin also adds some additional botanicals to the lemonade.

Garnish

Pop a lemon wheel on the rim, or a basil leaf laid on top of the ice to add to the aroma as you sip.

Dehydrated lemon slices hold up on the rim without wilting, which is useful if you’re making a batch for a group. A fine mesh strainer is worth using if you squeeze fresh lemon juice directly and want to catch seeds and pulp before it hits the glass.

More garnish ideas in the cocktail garnishes guide.

Gin cocktails to try next:

• Falling Petals Sakura Gimlet
• Citrus Rosemary Gin Fizz
• Cranberry Rosemary Gin Smash

More 2-Ingredient Gin Cocktails:

• Gin Apple Juice Highball
• Gin & Grapefruit
• Gin Guava
• Gin and Juice
• Gin & Lemonade
• Gin Pineapple
• Gin & Soda
• Gin Sprite
• Gin & Tonic
• Gin Tonic (Flavored)
• Gin Watermelon

Gin and Lemonade

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz lemonade (fresh-squeezed preferred)
• Lemon wheel or basil leaf, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add gin.
3. Top with lemonade and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh basil leaf.

Garden Upgrade (3-Ingredient Version)

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz lemonade
• 2 fresh basil leaves
• Lemon wheel and basil leaf, for garnish

Instructions

1. Lightly clap the basil leaves between your palms and add to a highball glass.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add gin.
4. Top with lemonade and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a basil leaf.