Herbal Gin and Elderflower Gimlet
A refreshing gimlet variant that marries bright lime with floral elderflower liqueur and a fresh herbal note from basil leaves. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together gin, fresh lime juice, 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 145 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 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 lime wheel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 4 fresh basil leaves with 1/2 oz simple syrup to release the herbal aroma.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes up to the brim, then shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to remove basil bits.
- Step 5: Garnish by expressing a lime wheel over the glass to release oils, then place it on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbal Gin and Elderflower Gimlet take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Herbal Gin and Elderflower Gimlet?
Refrigerate any leftover herbal gin and elderflower gimlet 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 Herbal Gin and Elderflower Gimlet?
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 Herbal Gin and Elderflower Gimlet 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 Herbal Gin and Elderflower Gimlet?
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.
