The best thing about hosting your half birthday party — or any party — at a bar is that you don't have to worry about the drinks! My soirée is at Rye — a bar that specializes in classic cocktails made with fresh and fabulous ingredients. Guests can choose and order what they feel like drinking. Rye offers specialty cocktails, wine, and beer.
I will most likely drink their basil gimlet at the happy hour. A lovely blend of fresh basil and lime, this is a refreshingly light cocktail. To see how it's made, read more.
Basil Gimlet
From Rye in San Francisco
From Rye in San Francisco
Ingredients
5 basil leaves
1 medium lime
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
2 1/2 ounces vodka or gin
Directions
- Place five basil leaves in a mixing glass. Squeeze the lime into the glass. Press down on the leaves with a muddler and twist 4 to 5 times.
- Fill glass three-quarters of the way with ice cubes. Add the simple syrup and vodka or gin.
- Give the glass a good shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Float a piece of the muddled basil on the top as a garnish.
Makes 1 drink.
Print recipe with images | without images






Max Mara
Paul & Joe
adidas by Stella McCartney
Every time I have tried drinks with basil I feel like I am drinking a salad, but this one sounds good, kind of like a mojito with basil instead of mint.
1the fresh juices at rye are great. i'm surprised more places in sf don't have them... portland is crawling with fresh juice at cocktail bars.
2When IS your half birthday, partysugar? 'Cause I'm sure ready to celebrate with you, after all these posts!
3Same here. Marci!
I love the idea of fresh basil, I'll have to try and make this cocktail some time!
4gin gimlets are my go-to drink ... i need to try the basil addition!
5How do you pronounce it-- with a hard or soft g? I don't want to sound like a moron ordering one.
6Different...
7Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.