Citrus Blossom Cooler

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A floral and bright cocktail balancing elderflower liqueur, orange, and ginger beer for a vibrant, non-intoxicating refreshment. This recipe, ready in about 12 minutes, brings together elderflower liqueur, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice 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 115 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.

Prep: 12 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 115 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 10 fresh basil leaves with 0.5 oz simple syrup until the leaves wilt and release their aroma (about 15 seconds).
  2. Step 2: Add 1 oz elderflower liqueur, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice to the shaker, then fill with 1 cup ice cubes.
  3. Step 3: Shake firmly for 25 seconds until the mixture is icy cold and the basil flavor infuses (shaker should feel cold to touch).
  4. Step 4: Strain into a highball glass filled with 1 cup ice cubes and top with 3 oz ginger beer, gently stirring with a bar spoon to combine.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus Blossom Cooler take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (12 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 Blossom Cooler?

Refrigerate any leftover citrus blossom cooler 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 Blossom Cooler?

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 Blossom Cooler 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 Blossom Cooler?

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.

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