Citrus Bloom Sour with Elderflower
A bright and floral sour cocktail that balances fresh citrus with delicate elderflower notes, perfect for a refreshing lift. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur 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 180 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
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 large egg white
- 1 piece lemon twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: Add 1 large egg white to the shaker, then dry shake vigorously (no ice) for 15 seconds to emulsify.
- Step 3: Add ice to the shaker to the brim and shake again vigorously for 12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of lemon peel over the surface to release oils, then twist and rest it elegantly on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Bloom Sour with Elderflower take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Bloom Sour with Elderflower?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus bloom sour 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 Bloom Sour 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 Bloom Sour 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 Bloom Sour with Elderflower?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
