The Elderflower Gin and Tonic is a refreshing and enchanting cocktail that combines the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur with the crisp botanicals of gin and the effervescence of tonic water. With a hint of fresh lime and a beautiful garnish, this elegant drink is perfect for romantic evenings, special celebrations, or any time you want a sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Floral and Refreshing: The elderflower liqueur adds a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with gin.
Effortlessly Elegant: A simple yet sophisticated drink that impresses guests.
Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for date nights, Valentine’s Day, or special gatherings.
Light and Bubbly: The tonic water gives it a crisp and effervescent quality.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and tartness to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 oz gin (your favorite brand)
1 oz elderflower liqueur
½ lime, juiced
4 oz tonic water
Ice cubes
Lime slice (for garnish)
Mint sprig (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Glass: Fill a highball or gin glass with ice cubes.
Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing glass or directly in the serving glass, pour the gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Stir gently.
Top with Tonic: Pour the tonic water over the mixture and give it a light stir to combine.
Garnish and Serve: Add a lime slice and a sprig of mint for a vibrant, fresh presentation. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

Sweeter Version: Add a splash of simple syrup or a dash of honey.
Herbal Twist: Muddle fresh basil or rosemary before adding the ingredients for an aromatic variation.
Stronger Cocktail: Use less tonic water or add an extra ½ oz of gin.
Citrus Blend: Replace lime juice with lemon or grapefruit juice for a different citrus profile.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute gin with a non-alcoholic botanical spirit and use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and should not be stored.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can pre-mix the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice in advance, but add the tonic water and ice just before serving to maintain freshness and carbonation.

FAQs

What type of gin works best for this cocktail?

A London dry gin works well, but floral or citrus-forward gins enhance the elderflower flavor beautifully.

Can I use elderflower syrup instead of elderflower liqueur?

Yes, but reduce the quantity slightly, as syrup is sweeter than liqueur.

What is the best tonic water to use?

A high-quality tonic water, such as Fever-Tree or Q Tonic, works best to maintain the delicate flavors.

Can I make this in a large batch?

Yes, scale up the ingredients and serve in a pitcher. Add tonic water just before serving to keep it fizzy.

What other garnishes work well?

Edible flowers, cucumber slices, or a sprig of lavender can add an extra aesthetic touch.

Is elderflower gin and tonic strong?

It has a balanced strength, but you can adjust the gin-to-tonic ratio to your liking.

What glass is best for serving?

A highball glass or a large balloon glass allows the aromas to develop while keeping the drink chilled.

Can I make this drink without lime juice?

Yes, but the lime adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. You can substitute with lemon juice if needed.

How can I enhance the floral flavor?

Adding a dash of orange blossom water or using a gin with floral notes can enhance the elderflower essence.

Is this cocktail good for summer?

Yes, its light and refreshing taste makes it a perfect summer drink.

Conclusion

The Elderflower Gin and Tonic is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that elevates any occasion with its floral sweetness, citrus zest, and bubbly tonic. Whether you are making it for a romantic evening or a special celebration, this enchanting drink is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a refreshing twist on a timeless classic.

Elderflower Gin and Tonic

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This Elderflower Gin & Tonic is a refreshing and floral cocktail that’s perfect for any romantic evening or elegant gathering. Made with gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice, and tonic water, this drink is beautifully light and fragrant. The bubbles from the tonic add a festive touch, while a lime slice and mint garnish make it visually stunning. Enjoy this enchanting cocktail with someone special!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Cocktails
Method: Mixed Drink
Cuisine: Modern
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz gin (your favorite brand)
1 oz elderflower liqueur
1/2 lime, juiced
4 oz tonic water
Ice cubes

Garnish

Lime slice
Sprig of mint

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Instructions

Prepare the Glass: Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Mix the Base: Pour gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice over the ice.
Add the Tonic: Gently pour in tonic water and stir lightly.
Garnish & Serve: Top with a lime slice and a sprig of mint for an elegant finish.

Notes

For a sweeter version, add a splash of simple syrup or use a floral tonic.
Try using cucumber slices for a fresh twist.
Serve in a copa glass for a stylish presentation.