Citrus-Basil Sparkler with Elderflower
A refreshing and lightly floral cocktail that balances zesty citrus with the herbaceous aroma of fresh basil, topped with sparkling elderflower tonic for a lively finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, elderflower tonic water for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz elderflower tonic water
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1)
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 slice lemon wheel
- 1 sprig basil sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 fresh basil leaves and 0.5 oz simple syrup into a mixing glass and gently muddle to release the basil's aroma without tearing it.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 oz gin and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass halfway with ice cubes and stir gently with a bar spoon for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 3 oz elderflower tonic water and stir once gently to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by placing a lemon wheel inside the glass against the side and resting a fresh basil sprig on top for aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Basil Sparkler with Elderflower take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Basil Sparkler with Elderflower?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-basil sparkler with elderflower in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Basil Sparkler with Elderflower?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Basil Sparkler with Elderflower for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Basil Sparkler with Elderflower?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
