Sparkling Mint and Elderflower Refresher
A light and bubbly cocktail blending fresh mint with floral elderflower liqueur, perfect for a refreshing social occasion. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 175 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- as needed ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, gently muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 0.5 oz simple syrup to release the aroma without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 oz gin, 1 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 12 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Double strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes to keep the mint leaves out of the glass.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by lightly slapping a sprig of fresh mint to release oils and place it upright in the glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sparkling Mint and Elderflower Refresher take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sparkling Mint and Elderflower Refresher?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sparkling Mint and Elderflower Refresher?
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 Sparkling Mint and Elderflower Refresher 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 Sparkling Mint and Elderflower Refresher?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
