Elderflower Gin and Tonic

The Elderflower Gin and Tonic elevates the timeless G&T with a touch of floral sweetness. By adding elderflower liqueur, typically St-Germain, the cocktail gains a delicate, aromatic complexity that perfectly complements the botanical notes of gin and the bitter quinine of tonic water. It's an effortlessly elegant, crisp, and refreshing drink, ideal for warm weather sipping. The result is a beautifully balanced highball that is both familiar and excitingly new.
Elderflower Gin and Tonic

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Elderflower Gin and Tonic is a contemporary cocktail, a modern variation of the classic highball. It falls into the category of long drinks or fizzes due to its composition and bubbly nature. It's a simple yet elegant mixed drink perfect for many settings.

Serving

This is a cold, refreshing highball served in a tall glass filled with ice, with an alcohol content similar to a glass of wine. A chilled glass enhances the drinking experience.
Serving size
Approximately 200-250 ml / 7-8.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Copa de Balon
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a modern invention, rising to prominence in the early 21st century alongside the global popularity of elderflower liqueurs. There is no single creator; rather, it evolved organically in bars around the world as bartenders sought to enhance the classic G&T. The introduction of St-Germain liqueur in 2007 was a major catalyst, making the floral profile easily accessible and leading to the drink's widespread adoption.
Origin
A modern creation from the early 2000s with no specific country of origin. It is a globally recognized variation of the classic British Gin and Tonic.

Elderflower Gin and Tonic

This drink is commonly abbreviated to "Elderflower G&T". When made with the popular St-Germain brand of elderflower liqueur, it is often called a "St-Germain G&T". These names all refer to the same floral and refreshing highball.
Original name
Elderflower Gin and Tonic
Alternative names
  • Elderflower G&T
  • St-Germain G&T

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a delightful floral aroma and a taste that balances the sweetness of elderflower with gin's botanicals and tonic's bitterness. It's a crisp, bubbly, and highly refreshing drink, perfect for warm seasons.
Flavor
Floral, Botanical, Sweet, Crisp, Lightly Bitter
Aroma
Elderflower, Juniper, Citrus, Botanical
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter, Botanical
Aftertaste
Clean, Floral, Crisp
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Clear, Pale Straw, Effervescent
Texture
Light, Bubbly, Refreshing
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Springtime

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is defined by moderate floral sweetness and a gentle bitterness from the tonic. It is not sour, spicy, or creamy, with a light alcohol presence and high carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires three main ingredients: a good quality gin, an elderflower liqueur, and chilled tonic water. A London Dry gin is standard, but a more floral gin can enhance the drink's character.
  • Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A London Dry Gin or a contemporary floral gin works best.
  • Elderflower Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    St-Germain is a popular and excellent choice.
  • Tonic Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Use a quality tonic water, chilled.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for a quick, gentle stir. The cocktail is built directly in the serving glass.
  • Bar Spoon for gentle stirring
  • Jigger for measuring

Instructions

This is a simple "build" cocktail, meaning all ingredients are added directly into the ice-filled serving glass. Just pour, top with tonic, give a gentle stir, and garnish.
1. Fill a highball or copa glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the gin and elderflower liqueur over the ice.
3. Top with chilled tonic water.
4. Give a brief, gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge, cucumber ribbon, or mint sprig.

Garnishing

A fresh lime wedge is a classic garnish that adds a bright citrus note to cut through the sweetness. Alternatively, a ribbon of cucumber or a sprig of mint can beautifully complement the floral flavors.
  • Lime wedge or wheel, to squeeze and drop in
  • Cucumber ribbon or slice, as an alternative
  • Mint sprig, for extra aroma

Dietary Information

This drink is typically free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. However, always check the labels of individual ingredients for specific dietary concerns.
✓ 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 amount of calories and sugar, primarily from the elderflower liqueur and tonic water. Using a light or diet tonic can reduce the overall sugar and calorie content.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect for sunny afternoons, garden parties, or as a sophisticated aperitif, the Elderflower Gin and Tonic is versatile and refreshing. Its light and floral character makes it an excellent choice for brunches, happy hours, or any casual social gathering.
  • Summer Parties
  • Garden Parties
  • Brunches
  • Happy Hour
  • Pre-dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

Its light and floral profile pairs well with fresh, delicate foods. Consider serving it alongside seafood appetizers, light salads, or goat cheese. It also provides a refreshing counterpoint to moderately spicy cuisine.
  • Light appetizers like goat cheese crostini
  • Seafood, such as shrimp or smoked salmon
  • Fresh salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Spicy Asian dishes to balance the heat

Elderflower Gin and Tonic: A Floral Elevation

The Elderflower Gin and Tonic is a modern classic that offers a simple yet profound upgrade to the traditional G&T. Its defining feature is the sweet, fragrant kiss of elderflower, which turns a simple highball into an elegant and aromatic experience. Incredibly easy to make and delightful to drink, it has become a staple in bars and homes alike. It's the perfect choice for anyone seeking a refreshing, sophisticated, and beautifully balanced cocktail for a sunny day.

Similar Cocktails

Gin and Tonic

The original classic, without the addition of elderflower liqueur.

Hugo Spritz

Uses prosecco instead of gin and tonic water, but shares the elderflower and mint flavor profile.

Elderflower Collins

Uses lemon juice and soda water instead of tonic water, resulting in a more sour and less bitter profile.

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