Elderflower Gin and Tonic

Name: Elderflower Gin and Tonic
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; 120 ml / 4 oz, or to top Tonic Water

Ingredients Instructions

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.

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.