Classic Gin and Elderflower Cocktail
A refreshing and floral cocktail combining the crispness of gin with the delicate sweetness of elderflower liqueur. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together London dry gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Fresh lemon 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 160 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
- 50 ml London dry gin
- 20 ml St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 15 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 10 ml Simple syrup
- 60 ml Soda water
- as needed Ice cubes
- 1 slice for garnish Lemon wheel
- 1 for garnish Fresh mint sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with 50 ml London dry gin, 20 ml St-Germain elderflower liqueur, 15 ml fresh lemon juice, and 10 ml simple syrup. Add ice cubes to about two-thirds full.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 60 ml soda water and gently stir once to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 lemon wheel and 1 fresh mint sprig, releasing the mint aroma by gently slapping it before placing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Gin and Elderflower Cocktail 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 Classic Gin and Elderflower Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover classic gin and elderflower cocktail 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 Classic Gin and Elderflower Cocktail?
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 Classic Gin and Elderflower Cocktail 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 Classic Gin and Elderflower Cocktail?
General 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.
