This elderflower gin cocktail is the refreshing drink you'll want at every happy hour this season. If you love a Hugo Spritz, you'll love want to give this variation a try.
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Why My Recipe
This elderflower cocktail is simple, elegant, and endlessly sippable. It comes together in just 5 minutes. You only need a handful of ingredients. The balance of floral, citrus, and bubbly is spot on. It works equally well with soda water or tonic water. You can dress it up or keep it casual.
Try my Prosecco Mimosa recipe next!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here's what you'll need to make this cocktail:
- Gin: A good gin is key here. Bombay infused dry gin is delicious. My all time favorite is Hendrick's gin for a floral, cucumber-forward note. Empress gin adds a beautiful purple hue. Any dry gin works well.
- Elderflower liqueur: St. Germain is the classic choice. You can also find elderflower syrup at the grocery store as a non-alcoholic swap.
- Fresh lemon juice: Always use fresh-bottled just doesn't compare. Lime juice works in a pinch for a slightly different twist.
- Soda water or tonic water: Soda water keeps it lighter. Fever Tree tonic water adds a pleasant bitterness. Both are delicious. Try a splash of Prosecco for a variation of the Hugo Spritz.
- Ice cubes: Large ice cubes are ideal. They melt slowly and keep your drink perfectly chilled.
- Garnish: Use a lemon slice, strip of lemon zest, or lemon wheel. Fresh mint leaves, a rosemary sprig, or a sprig of thyme are also great. Cucumber slices or cucumber ribbons look stunning too.
Tip: My simple syrup recipe is great for adding sweetness to cocktails!
Directions
Follow these simple steps and you'll have your cocktail ready in minutes.
- Chill glasses in the freezer before mixing drink, if desired.
- Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
- Pour over ice into wine glasses for the classic presentation. Other glass choices include a rocks glass or highball glass filled with ice, or a chilled coupe glass for a martini style drink.
- Add soda water or tonic water for a bubbly finish.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or a sprig of fresh herbs for extra aroma.
Tips for Success
- Use large ice cubes-they melt more slowly and keep the drink from diluting too quickly.
- Chill your cocktail glass or coupe glass before pouring for an extra-cold sip.
- Choose soda water for a lighter, less sweet result. Go with tonic water for bitterness and complexity. Prosecco adds a great bubbly sweetness.
- Shake firmly-a good shake chills the drink quickly and creates a nice frothy top.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
How to Store
This cocktail is best made fresh and enjoyed right away. If you'd like to prep ahead, mix the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice together. Store that mixture in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ice and soda or tonic water just before serving.
Favorite Summer Cocktails
📖 Recipe
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Elderflower Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml gin)
- 2 oz (60 ml elderflower liqueur) or St-Germain
- 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 oz (60 ml) soda water or tonic water plus more to top off glass
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
Garnish
- Lemon wheel or fresh herbs such mint
Instructions
- Chill glasses in freezer while making drink if desired.
- Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice or chilled coupe glass.
- Add soda water or tonic for a bubbly finish.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or a sprig of fresh herbs for extra aroma.
Notes
- Serve immediately.
- Soda water makes it lighter and less sweet, while tonic water adds bitterness and complexity. Choose based on how sweet or dry you want the final drink.
- Use chilled ingredients and serve with large ice cubes, which melt more slowly and keep the drink diluted just right.
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