Lemon Basil Spritz: A Perfect Lemon Cordial for Spritz Cocktails

In the South, we don't hide crazy. We put it on the porch and hand it a cocktail. This lemon basil spritz is the perfect drink for the occasion, offering a refreshing and sophisticated taste of summer. It’s an ideal use of a lemon cordial for spritz cocktails, beautifully blending the zesty flavors of lemon with a fresh, herbal twist. We’ve crafted this recipe in collaboration with @the.sauceress to deliver a cocktail that is as simple to make as it is delicious.

What Makes This a Lemon Basil Spritz?

A lemon basil spritz is all about balance. The bright, acidic flavors of lemon are perfectly complemented by the fresh, herbaceous notes of basil. This combination creates a drink that is both crisp and aromatic. Unlike a standard lemonade, a spritz adds effervescence from sparkling wine and soda water, making it incredibly light and refreshing. This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize lemon cordial for spritz cocktails, ensuring a consistent and complex flavor every time.

The Ultimate Lemon Basil Spritz Recipe

Ingredients

x @the.sauceress

• Yields: 1 cocktail
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• 1 oz El Guapo™ Lemon Cordial
• 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
• 3 oz Sparkling White Wine
• 1.5 oz Soda Water
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 Basil Leaves + more for garnish
• Lemon wheel & chamomile flower, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Muddle the Basil: In a clean cocktail shaker, gently muddle two basil leaves with the fresh lemon juice. This simple step is key to releasing the essential oils and infusing the drink with a fresh, herbal aroma.
2. Add Core Ingredients: Add the El Guapo™ Lemon Cordial and elderflower liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake to Chill: Add a handful of ice and shake quickly for about 5-10 seconds. You want to chill the liquid without over-diluting it.
4. Fine Strain: Fine strain the mixture into a stemless wine glass filled with fresh ice. This removes any small basil bits and pulp, giving you a clean, smooth liquid.
5. Top and Garnish: Top the strained liquid with sparkling white wine and soda water. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a lemon wheel, a fresh basil leaf, and a chamomile flower for an elegant final touch.

The Secret to a Perfect Lemon Cordial for Spritz Cocktails

While fresh lemon juice is essential, using a high-quality lemon cordial for spritz cocktails like ours adds a layer of depth that’s hard to replicate. Our cordial provides a balanced sweetness and acidity that standard simple syrup can’t match. This ensures a consistent, delicious cocktail every time.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo's homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a cordial and a syrup?

While both are sweetened liquids, a cordial typically includes a tart element, like citric acid, which gives it a more complex, bright flavor than a simple syrup. This makes a lemon cordial for spritz cocktails a better choice for a balanced drink.

What does a Lemon Basil Spritz taste like?

A lemon basil spritz is a light and refreshing cocktail. It has a zesty lemon flavor, a subtle sweetness from the elderflower, and a fresh, herbaceous finish from the basil. The sparkling wine and soda water make it wonderfully effervescent.

Can I substitute the elderflower liqueur?

If you don't have elderflower liqueur, you can omit it for a more straightforward lemon and basil flavor. However, it adds a floral complexity that enhances the cocktail's overall character.