Oh, this Gin Blossom Cocktail Recipe is just pure sunshine in a glass, trust me! I first stumbled upon a version at this cute little garden cafe years ago, and I’ve been tweaking it ever since. It’s got this delicate floral vibe from the elderflower, a bright kick from the lemon, and just a hint of something special from the gin and bitters. Honestly, it’s the perfect balance – elegant enough for a fancy party, but so easy you can whip it up on a Tuesday just because. It’s my go-to when I want something light and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Gin Blossom Cocktail Recipe

This Gin Blossom Cocktail is a real winner, for so many reasons:

Super Quick to Make: Seriously, it takes less time than deciding what to watch. Perfect for when guests pop over unexpectedly!
Incredibly Refreshing: That floral, citrusy combo is just *chef’s kiss* – clean and light without being too sweet.
Elegant Enough for Anyone: It looks super fancy with that garnish, but it’s so approachable. Great for parties, date nights, or just a nice treat for yourself.
Perfectly Balanced: You get a little floral, a little tart, and just enough kick from the gin. It really hits all the right notes.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Gin Blossom Cocktail Recipe

Alright, let’s get ourselves sorted with what we need for this lovely Gin Blossom Cocktail. It’s pretty straightforward, which is part of its charm! Make sure you have good quality stuff for the best flavor. You’ll need 2 ounces of your favorite gin – I’m partial to a London Dry style, but anything crisp works beautifully. Then, grab about 0.75 ounces of elderflower liqueur; St-Germain is a popular choice, but honestly, find one you like! Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable here, so about 0.5 ounces of that bright, zesty goodness. Lastly, just two dashes of good ol’ orange bitters to round things out. And for the final flourish, have a lemon twist ready to go, or even a pretty edible flower if you’re feeling fancy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Gin Blossom Cocktail

Okay, let’s get this beautiful Gin Blossom Cocktail into your glass. It really is as simple as grabbing your shaker, but a few little touches make all the difference. Trust me on this!

Prepare Your Glassware

First things first, you’ve gotta chill that glass! Pop your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you mix, or even just fill it with ice and a splash of water. A super cold glass keeps your Gin Blossom perfectly frosty without getting watered down too fast. It’s a small step that makes a HUGE difference in how refreshing it tastes.

Combine and Shake the Gin Blossom Cocktail Ingredients

Now, grab your cocktail shaker and fill it up with ice – use plenty! Pour in your gin, that lovely elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and those few dashes of orange bitters. Put the lid on tight, and give it a really good shake. You want to shake it for about 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels seriously cold. This is key for that perfect chilling and just the right amount of dilution for our Gin Blossom Cocktail.

Strain and Garnish Your Gin Blossom Cocktail

Once it’s nice and frosty, strain the liquid from the shaker into your waiting chilled glass. Now for the pretty part! Grab a sharp piece of citrus peel and twist it over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in. Or, if you’re feeling extra, pop an edible flower in there for a real showstopper! Your gorgeous Gin Blossom Cocktail is ready to go!

Tips for the Perfect Gin Blossom Cocktail

Want to make your Gin Blossom Cocktail absolutely sing? It’s all about a few little secrets! First off, don’t skimp on the gin quality; a good gin really makes the floral notes pop. Also, fresh lemon juice is a must – the bottled stuff just doesn’t have that same zing. If you find your drink a little too tart or not sweet enough, just tweak that elderflower liqueur ever so slightly. A tiny bit more can add sweetness, but be careful not to overpower the delicate balance. And have you thought about adding a splash of bubbly? A tiny bit of soda water can give it a lovely lift! For more ideas on great gin drinks, check out this easy gin cocktail guide.

Variations on the Gin Blossom Cocktail

This Gin Blossom Cocktail is fantastic as is, but sometimes you just want to play around a little, right? For a bit of fizz, try topping it off with a splash of soda water right after you strain it – it just makes it that much more refreshing! If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the lemon for lime juice for a different kind of citrus zing. Or how about adding a sprig of fresh mint or even a basil leaf? Gently muddle it before you shake! It adds a whole new layer of deliciousness, kind of like in this amazing basil smash cocktail recipe.

Serving and Storage for Your Gin Blossom Cocktail

This Gin Blossom Cocktail is best served immediately, nice and frosty! It pairs beautifully with light appetizers like cucumber sandwiches, a cheese board with mild cheeses, or even some delicate shortbread. While the cocktail itself is best made fresh, you can totally prep your garnishes – like cutting your lemon twists – ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. That way, when cocktail hour strikes, you’re all set to mix up that magic in a flash!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Gin Blossom Cocktail

Got questions about this lovely Gin Blossom Cocktail? I’ve got answers!

What kind of gin is best for a Gin Blossom Cocktail?

Honestly, a good quality London Dry gin is usually my go-to because its botanicals really complement the floral elderflower and bright citrus without getting lost. But don’t be afraid to experiment! A classic Plymouth or even a slightly more contemporary floral gin can be absolutely divine here too. The key is a gin that’s clean and not too overpowering.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Gin Blossom Cocktail?

You sure can! It won’t be exactly the same, of course, but you can get a similar vibe. Use a good quality non-alcoholic gin substitute, and then mix that with elderflower *syrup* (not liqueur) – you’ll need less syrup than liqueur, so start with about 0.5 oz and adjust. Keep the lemon juice and bitters, and maybe top with a tiny splash of water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a little lift. It’s a fun mocktail!

What’s the difference between elderflower liqueur and elderflower syrup?

This is a great question! Elderflower liqueur, like St-Germain, is alcoholic and generally has a more concentrated, complex flavor profile with added sweetness. Elderflower syrup, on the other hand, is non-alcoholic and is essentially a sweetened elderflower infusion. You’ll find you need less syrup than liqueur because it’s often quite a bit sweeter and less intense in flavor. For this Gin Blossom Cocktail recipe, we’re using the liqueur for that lovely alcoholic kick and depth of flavor.

Nutritional Information for the Gin Blossom Cocktail

Hey, when you’re whipping up this lovely Gin Blossom Cocktail, remember that the nutritional info can really change depending on the specific brands you use and even how you measure. The numbers you see are just a general ballpark estimate, so enjoy your drink knowing it’s a delicious treat!

Gin Blossom Cocktail

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing floral cocktail featuring gin and elderflower liqueur.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz gin
0.75 oz elderflower liqueur
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
2 dashes orange bitters
Garnish: lemon twist or edible flower

Instructions

Combine gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and orange bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or an edible flower.

Notes

For a sweeter drink, increase the elderflower liqueur slightly.
Ensure your gin is good quality for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 200
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: gin cocktail, elderflower cocktail, floral cocktail, easy cocktail, party drink, Gin Blossom