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Home » Summer

Elderflower Gin Cocktail

Published: Aug 1, 2022 · Modified: Apr 22, 2025 by Bianca · 11 Comments

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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.

Elderflower Gin Cocktail_Hero
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
  • Never miss a recipe!

❤️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.

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.
Elderflower Gin Cocktail

👩🏻‍🍳How to make elderflower gin tonic

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

  1. Add syrup, lemon juice and gin to a small drinking glass.
  2. Release the essential oils of the thyme by giving it a little slap.
  3. Add Ice.
  4. 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

This Elderflower Gin Cocktail is perfect for those moments when you want something refreshing but unique. It’s a great drink to have ready for different occasions. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

  • Aperitif: Serve it before dinner to wake up the taste buds. The citrus and floral notes work really well to set the mood for a meal.
  • After-dinner drink: A light and elegant option to wind down the evening without anything too heavy.
  • Brunch companion: Its fresh and floral flavor pairs nicely makes it a great light drink alongside a brunch. It goes great with quiches, lemony roasted potatoes, or smoked salmon.
  • Garden party favorite: This cocktail shines in spring and summer settings, especially when served in pretty glasses with a sprig of thyme and a lemon slice.
  • Catch-up with friends: Whether you’re hosting a casual evening or just sitting on the couch chatting, this is the kind of drink that feels special without being complicated.

Serve it chilled, over plenty of ice, and don’t skip the thyme. It’s not just decoration, it brings the whole flavor profile together.

💭Frequently asked questions

What gin is best in this cocktail?

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

What tonic water should I use for this gin tonic?

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.

Why do you smack the herbs for your cocktail?

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.

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    Grape Gin Fizz
  • Masala Chai Amaretto Sour featured Image
    Masala Chai Amaretto Sour
  • Lavender French 75 pouring
    Lavender French 75
  • Bloody Eye Apple Martini

📖 Recipe

Elderflower Gin Cocktail_Hero

Elderflower Gin Cocktail Recipe

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.
5 from 9 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine International
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 74 kcal

Equipment

  • Jigger
  • Stirring Spoon
  • Cocktail Glass

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cl Elderflower Syrup
  • 2 cl Lemon Juice +lemon slices for decoration
  • 4 cl Gin
  • 1 sprig Thyme
  • Ice
  • 1 bottle Tonic Water
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • To a small drinking glass add the syrup and lemon juice. Give it a quick mix.
    2 cl Elderflower Syrup, 2 cl Lemon Juice
  • Add the gin.
    4 cl Gin
  • Put your thyme on your one hand and give it a good slap with your other hand. This releases the essential oils in your herb which upps the aroma for your cocktail.
    1 sprig Thyme
  • Now add some ice to the glass.
    Ice
  • Finally, top off your drink with the tonic water of your choice. Give it a gentle stir and serve immediately. You will not be able to pour in the whole tonic water in one go. Serve it along the drink so it can be added to the cocktail while drinking, just like it is done with a gin tonic.
    1 bottle Tonic Water

US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Your Notes

Click here to add your own private notes.

Nutrition

Calories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 0.1mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 48IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Keyword cocktail, Easy, elderflower, Quick
Did You Try This Recipe?I can't wait for you to try this recipe. I'd love for you to leave a star rating. You can also share a picture with me by mentioning @ohsweetcultureshock or tag #ohsweetcultureshock!

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Comments

  1. Julie says

    August 03, 2022 at 5:37 pm

    5 stars
    Your photography is gorgeous!!! And I love love these special ingredients what a beautiful combo!

    Reply
    • Bianca says

      August 09, 2022 at 7:54 pm

      Thank you so much Julie, that is so sweet of you. I am so glad you liked this cocktail

      Reply
  2. Emily Flint says

    August 03, 2022 at 8:59 pm

    5 stars
    I love anything elderflower and this cocktail was no exception. I will be making this all summer long!!

    Reply
  3. Mallory says

    August 04, 2022 at 2:28 am

    5 stars
    Amazing! Will be making again soon!!

    Reply
  4. Giangi Townsend says

    August 04, 2022 at 5:36 pm

    5 stars
    I love anything gin, and this recipe with the elderflower syrup is out of this world. Smooth and refreshing. Yummy!!!!

    Reply
    • Bianca says

      August 09, 2022 at 7:55 pm

      I am so happy to hear that you loved the cocktail Giangi! Thank you so much for trying this recipe

      Reply
  5. Katie says

    August 05, 2022 at 3:04 pm

    5 stars
    This is a dream cocktail! Light and refreshing, but so delicious! Perfect for dinner parties!

    Reply
  6. Tressa says

    August 05, 2022 at 10:23 pm

    5 stars
    I don't drink, but I saw your recipe on Instagram and it looked so light and refreshing. I made the syrup according to your recipe and used sparkling water to make a mocktail. Such a great concept; thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bianca says

      August 09, 2022 at 7:56 pm

      Thank you so much for always trying a mocktail version of my drinks Tressa! I am so happy you liked this one too 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lynne says

    August 11, 2022 at 3:31 am

    5 stars
    Woah! This drink impressed! You have turned me to a gin drinker!

    Reply
    • Bianca says

      August 28, 2022 at 11:26 pm

      Ah yeyyy! So glad you loved this drink and that I could turn you into a gin drinker wooot! Cheers!

      Reply
5 from 9 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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About Me

Hi, I'm Bianca!

I'm passionate about seasonal, from-scratch cooking. With my recipes and cooking tips, I hope to inspire you to gain confidence in the kitchen and discover the joy of cooking delicious meals and treats from scratch. Let's get cooking!

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