If you’re a big fan of gin, this Gin and Tonic with Elderflower and Lemon is a refreshing and elegant twist on the classic gin and tonic, featuring the delicate floral elderflower and a bright hint of citrus flavor from the lemon.
It’s a perfect drink for any occasion, whether you’re sipping it on a sunny day or enjoying it as a pre-dinner happy hour.
I’m a big fan elderflower, so much so that I have a few other elderflower cocktails on the site worth checking out such as an Elderflower Collins and a Lemon Elderflower Sour. Or, if you love lemon-y gin drinks like this one, then you have to try my Strawberry Gin and Tonic or Earl Grey Tea Martini.
I also made a variation of this drink combined with a gin and tonic in my Outlander cocktail series called the Healer’s Tonic.
Or, if you need help finding gifts for a gin lover in your life (even if you’re the gin lover 😉), check out my guide on the Best Gin Gifts.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor profile – The addition of elderflower and lemon to the classic drink elevates the flavor profile and makes it a more interesting and sophisticated cocktail.
- Simplicity – The recipe is simple and easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for both experienced bartenders and novice home mixologists.
- Versatility – The cocktail is highly versatile and can be customized to suit individual taste preferences, with the option to adjust the amount of elderflower, lemon, or gin to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
Ingredient Notes
- Gin is a spirit that is made by distilling a neutral grain spirit with botanicals, such as juniper berries, coriander, orris root, and citrus peel.
- Elderflower liqueur is a sweet and floral spirit with a delicate honey-like flavor and subtle notes of fruit and citrus. Two common brands are St. Germain and St. Elder. You can also substitute homemade elderflower syrup if you can’t find the liqueur.
- Lemon juice is a good alternative to lime in an elderflower gin and tonic because its sweeter and less acidic flavor can balance the bitterness of the tonic water, while its bright and refreshing citrus flavor pairs well with the delicate floral flavor of elderflower.
- Tonic water has a distinctively bitter and slightly sweet taste, with a subtle earthy and herbal flavor.
- Garnish this elderflower gin and tonic with a lemon twist or peel. For extra flair, you can roll a lemon peel into a rose and pin it with a cocktail pick like I did.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pour gin into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
Step 2: Add elderflower liqueur and lemon juice.
Step 3: Top with tonic water.
Step 4: Stir gently and garnish, if desired.
FAQ
What is the best tonic water for a G&T cocktail?
My favorite tonic waters are Q Mixers and Fever-Tree. Die-hard elderflower fans should also know that both brands have an elderflower tonic water variety that you can try to give the cocktail an extra pop of elderflower flavor. Q Elderflower Tonic Water is available on Amazon.
To buy in-person, you can find high-quality tonics, like these brands, in the cocktail mixer section of your local grocery store.
What’s the best gin for a G&T?
What constitutes a good gin is a matter of personal preference, as different brands and styles can offer unique flavor profiles. Some popular options include Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, and Hendrick’s gin among others.
Tips
- You should use your favorite gin, but if you’re not sure what you like gin-wise, I also recommend checking out if you have any local gin distilleries in your area – often they offer free tastings and you can figure out what you like and don’t like about different gins.
- When stirring your cocktail, bring the spoon up and down to evenly distribute the flavors.
- To peel a lemon for a garnish, use a vegetable peeler to remove a thin strip of the lemon’s outer peel, being careful to avoid the white pith. Cut the strip of peel into a twist or curl shape using a sharp knife or scissors, and use it to garnish your cocktail.
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📖 Recipe
Gin and Tonic with Elderflower and Lemon
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- ½ ounce elderflower liqueur
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 3-4 ounces tonic water
- Lemon twist for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice to a cocktail glass filled with ice.
- Top with tonic water and garnish, if desired.
Notes
- To peel a lemon for a garnish, use a vegetable peeler to remove a thin strip of the lemon’s outer peel, being careful to avoid the white pith. Cut the strip of peel into a twist or curl shape using a sharp knife or scissors, and use it to garnish your cocktail.
Nutrition
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