Elderflower Gin Cocktail

This elderflower gin cocktail is a twist on a tried and true classic! Think gin tonic but elevate it with added elderflower syrup and lemon juice to create an unexpected and unique flavor experience.

Jump to:

• ❤️Why you will love this recipe
• 📝The Ingredients
• 🥣Equipment
• 👩🏻‍🍳How to make elderflower gin tonic
• 🌼Make ahead tips
• 🍴Serving suggestions
• 💭Frequently asked questions
• More cocktails to try
• 📖 Recipe
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❤️Why you will love this recipe

• Easy: You just need to mix some ingredients.
• Few ingredients: With 6 simple ingredients this cocktail is made in no time
• Elevated gin tonic: This cocktail is basically a gin and tonic with some extra flavor thanks to the elderflower syrup.

This cocktail is a twist on a classic gin and tonic. Fresh lemon juice and sweet and floral elderflower syrup create a unique, delicious flavor. With only 5 simple ingredients this recipe is super easy to prepare and is ready in less than 5 minutes.

https://ohsweetcultureshock.com/lavender-french-75/Do you love gin cocktails? Then you should also try my Lavender French 75!

📝The Ingredients

• Elderflower syrup: Make your own elderflower syrup or use a store-bought one.
• Lemon: Juice and slices to decorate
• Gin: Use a good quality gin with no strong flavor note itself. My favorite is the Japanese Roku Gin.
• Tonic Water: Keep it classic with a non-flavored tonic water like the classic tonic water by fever tree. The Mediterranean one would work too as one of its flavors is thyme which works well with this cocktail.
• Thyme Sprig: As decoration and for some extra flavor

This elderflower cocktail is a twist on a gin tonic. Next to the classic ingredients, gin and tonic water, this recipe uses elderflower syrup for added flavor and some lemon juice to cut through the sweetness. As often done with gin tonics a herb is added to the glass, in this case some thyme.

🥣Equipment

Here are the bar essentials you need to make this cocktail:

• Jigger: A small measuring tool to ensure precise quantities of gin and elderflower liqueur.
• Stirring spoon: For stirring ingredients gently.
• Cocktail glass: Use a stylish glass to serve your gin and tonic in. A high ball glass is very popular for this kind of cocktail. It is a tall, narrow glass that allows plenty of room for the gin, tonic water, and ice.

👩🏻‍🍳How to make elderflower gin tonic

Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.

To a small drinking glass add the syrup, lemon juice and gin.

Release the essential oils of the thyme by giving it a little slap.

Add some Ice.

Top off with the tonic water of your choice and serve immediately.

🌼Make ahead tips

Preparing the whole drink ahead of time is not recommended as the bubbles in the tonic water will disappear at some point and make the drink flat. What you can make ahead is juicing some lemons and keeping the lemon juice in a closed container.

🍴Serving suggestions

Enjoy this drink whenever you feel like having a unique cocktail. It is perfect after dinner launching with some friends.

💭Frequently asked questions

Q: What gin is best in this cocktail?

A: Use a non-flavored gin to avoid the gin overpowering the elderflower syrup. A favorite of mine is Roku Gin or The Botanist.

Q: What tonic water should I use for this gin tonic?

A: Use a classic tonic water without any flavor or go with a lightly flavored one, preferably an herb infused one like the Mediterranean from Fever Tree.

Q: Why do you smack the herbs for your cocktail?

A: Giving your herbs a good smack ruptures some of their cells which releases their essential oils. This then will bring out all the aromatics that mix in with the drink upping the herbs' flavor.

This technique is great for any dish too! Using herbs in your recipes? Give them a good smack!

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📖 Recipe