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.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Easy
- Few ingredients
- Elevated gin tonic
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!
Ingredients needed for this gin and elderflower cocktail
- 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 trough the sweetness. As often done with gin tonics a herb is added to the glass, in this case some thyme.
How to make elderflower gin tonic
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 which mix in with the drink upping the herbs flavor.
This technique is great for any dishes too! Using herbs in your recipes? Give them a good smack!
More cocktails to try
📖 Recipe
Elderflower Gin Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cl Elderflower Syrup
- 2 cl Lemon Juice +lemon slices for decoration
- 4 cl Gin
- 1 bottle Tonic Water
- 1 sprig Thyme
- Ice
Instructions
- To a small drinking glass add the syrup and lemon juice. Give it a quick mix.
- Add the 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.
- Now add some ice to the glass.
- Finally top off your drink with the tonic water of your choice 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.
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Your Notes
Nutrition
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Julie says
Your photography is gorgeous!!! And I love love these special ingredients what a beautiful combo!
Bianca says
Thank you so much Julie, that is so sweet of you. I am so glad you liked this cocktail
Emily Flint says
I love anything elderflower and this cocktail was no exception. I will be making this all summer long!!
Mallory says
Amazing! Will be making again soon!!
Giangi Townsend says
I love anything gin, and this recipe with the elderflower syrup is out of this world. Smooth and refreshing. Yummy!!!!
Bianca says
I am so happy to hear that you loved the cocktail Giangi! Thank you so much for trying this recipe
Katie says
This is a dream cocktail! Light and refreshing, but so delicious! Perfect for dinner parties!
Tressa says
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.
Bianca says
Thank you so much for always trying a mocktail version of my drinks Tressa! I am so happy you liked this one too 🙂
Lynne says
Woah! This drink impressed! You have turned me to a gin drinker!
Bianca says
Ah yeyyy! So glad you loved this drink and that I could turn you into a gin drinker wooot! Cheers!