Citrus-Gin Martini with Elderflower
A refreshing twist on the Martini, combining dry gin with bright citrus and a floral hint of elderflower liqueur for a fragrant, smooth finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together dry gin, dry vermouth, 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 170 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
- 2.5 oz dry gin
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 thin strip fresh lemon peel
- 1 lemon twist
- enough to fill shaker ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to about three-quarters full.
- Step 2: Pour in 2.5 oz dry gin, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, and 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Strain into a chilled martini glass using a fine mesh strainer to catch any ice shards.
- Step 5: Express a thin strip of fresh lemon peel over the drink surface by twisting it to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in as garnish.
- Step 6: Add a delicate lemon twist on the rim for an elegant finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Gin Martini with Elderflower take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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-Gin Martini with Elderflower?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-gin martini 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-Gin Martini 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-Gin Martini 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-Gin Martini 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.
