Elderflower Gimlet

Name: Elderflower Gimlet
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Gin; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Elderflower Liqueur; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Ingredients Instructions

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.

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.