Description
This Refreshing Spring Cocktail is a vibrant and aromatic drink that combines the floral notes of elderflower liqueur with the crispness of gin and fresh lemon juice. Enhanced with orange bitters and fresh mint, it offers a perfectly balanced, light, and fizzy cocktail ideal for warm weather or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquids
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1/4 cup soda water
Flavorings
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
Others
- Ice cubes (as needed for shaking)
Instructions
- Prepare the shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes to properly chill the drink and dilute it slightly as you shake.
- Add gin: Pour 2 ounces of gin into the shaker for the base spirit of the cocktail.
- Add lemon juice: Measure and add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice to provide acidity and brightness.
- Incorporate elderflower liqueur: Pour in 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur to impart floral sweetness and complexity.
- Add simple syrup: Include 1/2 ounce of simple syrup to balance tartness with a subtle sweetness.
- Add orange bitters: Drop in 2 dashes of orange bitters to enhance the flavor profile with a hint of citrus spice.
- Prepare the mint: Lightly clap 2 sprigs of fresh mint between your hands to release its aromatic oils, then add them to the shaker for freshness.
- Seal the shaker: Secure the lid tightly on the cocktail shaker to prevent leaks during shaking.
- Shake the cocktail: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and thoroughly mix the ingredients.
- Strain the cocktail: Strain the mixture into a chilled glass, ensuring no ice or mint pieces pass through.
- Add soda water: Top the cocktail with 1/4 cup of soda water, giving it a refreshing fizz and lightness.
- Stir gently: Use a bar spoon to gently stir the soda water into the cocktail base to combine flavors without losing carbonation.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with a fresh sprig of mint to add visual appeal and aroma.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and acidity.
- Adjust simple syrup quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tart cocktail.
- Lightly bruising the mint releases oils but avoid tearing the leaves to prevent bitterness.
- Chill the glass beforehand to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- Soda water adds fizz without overpowering flavors; avoid flavored sodas for a balanced taste.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute gin and elderflower liqueur with elderflower cordial and add extra lemon juice.
