Classic Gin and Elderflower Collins
A refreshing gin cocktail enhanced by fragrant elderflower liqueur and balanced with fresh lemon juice and soda water for effervescent delight. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together dry gin, 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 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
- 50 ml dry gin
- 20 ml elderflower liqueur
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 100 ml soda water
- 1 wheel lemon wheel, for garnish
- enough to fill glass ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a tall Collins glass with ice cubes to chill thoroughly.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 50 ml dry gin, 20 ml elderflower liqueur, 25 ml fresh lemon juice, and 15 ml simple syrup. Shake gently for 10 seconds to mix and chill.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into the prepared Collins glass and top with 100 ml soda water, stirring lightly to combine.
- Step 4: Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim for a bright citrus aroma and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Gin and Elderflower Collins 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 Collins?
Refrigerate any leftover classic gin and elderflower collins 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 Collins?
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 Collins 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 Collins?
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.
