Sip a taste of paradise and be carried straight to the islands with this Coconut Basil Lime Gin Cocktail. You don’t need to be a gin aficionado to enjoy the Shimmy Shimmy Coconut — it’s sweet, citrusy, and beautifully balanced by the botanicals in gin. Coconut lovers will find this cocktail a favorite year-round.
Craving similar drinks? Try the Raspberry Lychee Gin Spritz or the Blueberry Pie Gimlet for other bright, fruit-forward gin cocktails.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- So refreshing
- Tastes like a vacation in a glass
- Enjoyable year-round, especially during warm weather
- Quick and simple to prepare
About the Flavors in this Shimmy Shimmy Coconut Cocktail
Gin, coconut, lime, and basil strike an unexpectedly delightful balance. Each ingredient contributes a subtle layer: the gin’s botanicals, the creamy sweetness of coconut, the bright acidity of lime, and the herbaceous lift from fresh basil. If you use a cucumber-lemon style gin, like Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon, you’ll notice a faint cucumber note that complements the cocktail beautifully.
Ingredients
What you need to make this cocktail:
- Gin: Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon is used here for its light, refreshing profile, but any dry gin works well.
- Coco López (Cream of Coconut): Adds rich coconut flavor and sweetness—this is a classic mixer for tropical cocktails.
- Basil: Fresh basil brightens the drink and adds a gentle herbal note.
- Lime: Fresh-squeezed lime juice brings a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess and sweetness.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Substitutions
Simple swaps if needed:
- Gin: Any dry gin is fine. You can also substitute vodka or white rum for a different base spirit.
- Citrus: Lime works best here, but lemon, mandarin, or grapefruit can be used depending on your taste.
How to Make the Shimmy Shimmy Coconut Cocktail
This cocktail comes together in minutes. Add the ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake, and strain over fresh ice in a tall glass for a refreshing result.
Equipment
Recommended equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Tall cocktail glass
Step-by-Step Instructions
Combine all ingredients
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake and pour
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish (optional)
- Garnish with a lime wheel, a basil leaf, and/or sweetened toasted coconut flakes or shreds.
Variations
Ways to change this cocktail:
- Blend with ice for a frozen, poolside version.
- Add a small dash of grenadine for a pretty pink hue and subtle sweetness.
Can you batch make this cocktail in advance?
Yes. Combine all ingredients (without ice) in a pitcher for a party. When ready to serve, pour into a shaker with ice and strain into glasses.
Storage: Store premade batches in the refrigerator for several days.
To serve: Pour over fresh ice in a tall cocktail glass and garnish as desired.
Top Tip
To avoid tiny basil bits in the finished drink, double-strain through a fine mesh strainer when pouring from the shaker into the glass.
Troubleshooting
This recipe is straightforward. If you only have dried basil, skip it — the fresh herb is what gives the drink its bright, herbal character.
What appetizers to serve with this coconut basil lime gin cocktail?
This cocktail pairs well with many savory appetizers, especially fried bites like shrimp or arancini. For a sweet pairing, fresh berries or chocolate also work nicely.
FAQ
Coco López is a cream-of-coconut cocktail mixer originally from Puerto Rico. It’s a sweetened, shelf-stable product that includes thickeners and preserves the rich coconut flavor used in classic tropical drinks like the piña colada.
Coco López is a branded sweetened mixer based on cream of coconut. If you substitute another cream-of-coconut product, you may need to adjust sweetness with simple syrup to match the original flavor.
Yes — in this recipe they pair wonderfully. Gin brings botanical complexity that balances the sweetness and creaminess of coconut, though results depend on the gin and other ingredients chosen.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
-
Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
-
Shimmy Shimmy Coconut Basil Lime Gin Cocktail
-
Spiced Apple Cider Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
-
Fig Cardamom Gin Old Fashioned Cocktail
Pairing
My favorite appetizers to serve with this Coconut Basil Lime Gin Cocktail include:
-
Grilled Mortadella Skewers with Burrata & Italian Herb Sauce
-
Mini New England Lobster Rolls with Jalapeño Dressing
-
Roasted Beets with Whipped Goat Cheese
-
Baked Italian Herb Stuffed Shrimp with Lime Butter
📖 Recipe
Shimmy Shimmy Coconut Basil Lime Gin Cocktail
Equipment
-
Cocktail shaker
-
Cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz Empress Cucumber Lemon Gin
- 3 oz Coco López Cream of Coconut
- 3 small basil leaves torn in half or quarters
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 30 seconds. Pour into a tall glass with ice and garnish with a lime wheel, fresh basil and a sprinkle of sweetened coconut, if desired.
Nutrition
