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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
