Basil Martini
A modern twist on a classic martini. Fragrant basil adds a soft herbal note, making it refreshing, delicate, and effortlessly elegant.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
Ingredients
2 ½ ounces gin or vodka
½ ounce dry vermouth
1 basil leaf, in the shaker
1 basil leaf, for garnish
Instructions
Add the gin or vodka and the dry vermouth to a shaker glass.
Gently slap a basil leaf to release its oils, then drop it into the shaker with the liquor.
Add ice and shake until well chilled.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Garnish with an expressed basil leaf.
Notes from the Bar
Ritual Tip: Savor the Basil
Before you shake, gently press the basil leaf between your fingers and take a quick inhale. The fresh aroma sets the tone for the whole drink. After pouring, gently press the garnish leaf before placing on the cocktail. This release a little more basil essence. Creating a small sensory moment like this elevates the cocktail experience.
Basil Expression
A gentle slap is enough to release the oils without tearing the leaf. Over-muddling can make the drink bitter.
Cocktail Term: Double StraiN
Double straining means pouring the cocktail through both a shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove tiny ice shards or herb bits. This creates a smoother, more refined sip for cocktails served up. → Link to our cocktail strainer
Vermouth Quality
Because this martini is so simple, use a fresh, good-quality dry vermouth. If yours has been open more than a month, grab a new bottle.
Glassware
A chilled coupe or Nick & Nora keeps the drink crisp and refined. No ice needed.
Garnish Tip
Express the basil leaf by bending it slightly before placing it on the rim. This brings out the perfume beautifully.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
Make It a Date Nite
This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.
Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.
For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.
Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.
Kevin & Kate
Stories worth Savoring
Our latest blog posts for inspiration, reflections, and recipes.
