Shawnee Forest Citrus Fizz
A refreshing sparkling cocktail blending vibrant citrus flavors with a crisp effervescence, inspired by the natural beauty of Shawnee National Forest. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange 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
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1)
- 2 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 piece lemon twist
- 1 sprig fresh mint sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz fresh orange juice, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker feels cold and frosty.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 2 oz chilled club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine without losing fizz.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of lemon peel over the surface to release oils, then rim the glass and rest the peel inside.
- Step 6: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig placed upright on the side of the glass.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shawnee Forest Citrus Fizz 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 Shawnee Forest Citrus Fizz?
Refrigerate any leftover shawnee forest citrus fizz 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 Shawnee Forest Citrus Fizz?
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 Shawnee Forest Citrus Fizz 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 Shawnee Forest Citrus Fizz?
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.
