Elderflower Gimlet

The Elderflower Gimlet is an elegant and refreshing modern cocktail that updates the classic gin and lime formula. By introducing elderflower liqueur, typically St-Germain, the drink gains a beautiful floral sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of fresh lime juice and the botanical notes of the gin. It is a sophisticated, well-balanced, and highly accessible drink suitable for any occasion, beloved for its bright and aromatic profile.
Elderflower Gimlet

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Elderflower Gimlet is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It is a contemporary variation of the historic Gimlet, placing it firmly in the category of sophisticated mixed drinks that have gained popularity in the 21st century.

Serving

Serve this drink ice-cold in a chilled coupe or martini glass to maintain its crispness. With an alcohol content around 22%, it is a moderately strong cocktail that is both elegant and approachable.
Serving size
Approximately 105 ml / 3.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

While the classic Gimlet dates back to the late 19th century, this floral variation gained immense popularity in the early 2000s. Its rise coincided with the launch and masterful marketing of St-Germain elderflower liqueur in 2007. It quickly became a staple in cocktail bars worldwide as a simple yet impressive way to showcase the new liqueur, cementing its status as a modern classic born from the craft cocktail revival.
Origin
United States / United Kingdom, mid-2000s. This cocktail doesn't have a single credited creator but emerged organically in bars following the release of St-Germain liqueur.

Elderflower Gimlet

The drink is most commonly known as the Elderflower Gimlet. It is sometimes called the St-Germain Gimlet, referencing the most popular brand of elderflower liqueur often used in the recipe. The names are often used interchangeably to describe this modern classic.
Original name
Elderflower Gimlet
Alternative name
St-Germain Gimlet

Characteristics overview

The Elderflower Gimlet has a bright, floral aroma and a smooth texture, with a flavor profile perfectly balancing the sweetness of elderflower and the tartness of lime. Its pale, translucent appearance and crisp finish make it a refreshing choice, especially for spring and summer.
Flavor
Floral, Sweet, Tart, Citrusy, Botanical, Crisp
Aroma
Elderflower, Lime, Juniper, Floral
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Floral, Crisp, Refreshing
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale straw, Slightly cloudy, Translucent
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Springtime

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a well-balanced cocktail where moderate sweetness and sourness are the dominant flavors, complemented by floral notes. It has a medium alcohol strength and is completely still, with no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need three key ingredients for this drink: a quality gin, elderflower liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The interplay between these simple components creates the cocktail's signature floral and tart character.
  • Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A London Dry gin with prominent juniper and citrus notes works best.
  • Elderflower Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    St-Germain is the most common choice, but other brands work well too.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor and balance.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a shaken cocktail, requiring a cocktail shaker to properly chill and dilute the ingredients. A jigger for measuring and a strainer are also essential tools for preparation.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Strainer to pour the drink without ice.
  • Fine mesh strainer for double straining to remove small ice chips.

Instructions

The method for this drink is straightforward: chill your glass, shake all ingredients vigorously with ice, and double strain into the glass. Finish with a simple citrus garnish to enhance the aroma.
1. Chill your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before mixing.
2. Combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a thin lime wheel or a freshly expressed lime twist.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a thin lime wheel floated on top or a fragrant lime twist expressed over the drink is all that's needed to complete the presentation.
  • Lime wheel or twist to add aroma and visual appeal.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally suitable for most dietary restrictions as it is free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is also vegan and vegetarian friendly, though it's always wise to check the specific liqueur brand for any additives.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate number of calories, primarily from the alcohol and the sugar in the elderflower liqueur. It has a relatively low carbohydrate and sugar content compared to many other sweet cocktails.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is versatile, perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif or for a celebratory toast at a cocktail party. Its light and refreshing nature makes it ideal for summer gatherings, garden parties, and elegant brunches.
  • Aperitif
  • Summer party
  • Cocktail party
  • Date night
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

The Elderflower Gimlet's floral and citrus notes pair beautifully with light and fresh foods. It complements seafood, tangy cheeses like goat cheese, and salads exceptionally well. Avoid pairing it with heavy or overpowering dishes that would clash with its delicate flavors.
  • Light appetizers
  • Seafood dishes like oysters or ceviche
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Salads with vinaigrette dressing

The Elderflower Gimlet: A Floral Twist on a Classic

The Elderflower Gimlet is a delightful and aromatic twist on the classic cocktail. It beautifully balances the botanical notes of gin with the sweet, floral character of elderflower liqueur and the sharp tartness of fresh lime. Easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, it has become a modern favorite for its refreshing and elegant profile. It's the perfect drink for a warm evening, a celebratory toast, or whenever you crave something crisp, bright, and floral.

Similar cocktails

French Gimlet

Nearly identical, this name is often used interchangeably, sometimes with slightly different ratios.

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