Template Tonic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A layered gin and elderflower drink with sparkling water, symbolizing structured financial organization. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 4 minutes pairs gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 4 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add 1 oz gin, 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur, and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to a mixing glass filled with ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: Stir for 30 seconds to chill and blend. Strain into a chilled coupe glass through a fine mesh strainer.
  3. Step 3: Top with 3 oz sparkling water and 1 dash orange bitters. Garnish with a lemon twist expressed over the drink and a single lemon slice resting on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Template Tonic take to make?

Total time is about 4 minutes (4 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 Template Tonic?

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 Template Tonic?

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 Template Tonic 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 Template Tonic?

Cocktails cocktails & beverages 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.

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