This Mango Cocktail with Basil is a tropically inspired drink with an herbal edge. A light pinot grigio is mixed with mango nectar and lemon juice then punched up with a bit of basil simple syrup. A totally refreshing drink for the warm spring and summer days ahead.
Mango Basil Cocktail
Here in Florida, it's already hitting the mid 80's which means we start on light tropical cocktails a little earlier than most. Our mango tree is producing deliciously sweet mangos and our basil is going strong, so what was I to do other than make a tropically inspired cocktail to enjoy our garden's bounty.
This is an easy cocktail to make too. The most time-consuming step, and it's only like 10 minutes, is making the basil simple syrup. However, you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for when you're ready to use it. Once the simple syrup is out of the way, it only takes a few minutes to shake the ingredients together.
Just gather up some mango nectar, which is readily available in the juice section of most grocery stores, lemon juice, a bottle of either Pinot Grigio, unoaked Chardonnay, or the new bubbly Chardonnay, which is awesome, and the simple syrup.
Shake it up and pour over ice. That's it! I've given the measurements in the recipe card for a cocktail for two but also noted how to make a pitcherful for a party in the note section.
The great thing about this recipe, besides being so light and refreshing, is how it will stretch a bottle of wine for a large party.
Change this Mango Cocktail up with these suggestions:
- Try pureed strawberries in place of mango nectar for a Strawberry Basil Cocktail
- Replace mango nectar with peach nectar which goes great with the taste of basil
- Substitute mint for the basil in the simple syrup and use for mojitos or pour over fruit
What else can I use Basil Simple Syrup for?
- Try a little in iced tea instead of sugar
- Mix some in with your lemonade
- Opt for adding to my Strawberry Lemonade for the perfect summer cocktail
How long does Basil Simple Syrup last?
Basil Simple Syrup will last 2 weeks in the refrigerator but is best if used within a week.
How to Make Basil Syrup
- Combine basil leaves, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
- Bring mixture to boil then simmer until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Let cool then strain.
Easy Steps to a Mango Basil Cocktail
- Gather ingredients.
- Add chopped fruit to a small pitcher.
- Pour in mango nectar, lemon juice, simple syrup and wine.
- Stir cocktail mixture. Fill glass with ice cubes.
- Divide cocktail mixture between 2 glasses. Garnish with strawberry and mango slice.
With so many ways to enjoy this cocktail, I'm sure you'll be sipping this all summer long.
More Refreshing Cocktails
- Best Summertime Drinks
- Sparkling Greyhound Cocktail with vodka and prosecco.
- Cucumber Breeze Drink with mint and sparkling wine.
- Mango Colada with pineapple juice and rum.
- Strawberry Rum Cocktail with lime, triple sec, and a splash of champagne.
Find lots of easy cocktail recipes here on 2CM!
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Mango Cocktail with Basil
Ingredients
Basil Simple Syrup
- 6 Tablespoons sugar
- 6 Tablespoons water
- ½ cup basil leaves
Cocktail Mix
- ½ cup Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay
- ⅓ cup mango nectar peach nectar can also be used
- ¼ cup basil simple syrup
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Garnish: basil leaves mango or peach slice
Instructions
Basil Simple Syrup
- Combine all of the syrup ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, crushing basil leaves against side of pan to bring out flavor.
- Simmer just until sugar has dissolved. Let cool.
- Strain into jar. Keep unused portion in refrigerator.
Cocktail
- Fill a small pitcher with cut-up fruit such as mango, peaches, lemons, raspberries or strawberries (optional).
- Pour wine, mango or peach nectar, lemon juice and simple syrup over fruit.
- Divide between 2 glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with basil leaf and slice of mango, peach or lemon.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated and was first published on April 10, 2019.
