Watch heads turn after one sip of this Gin & Tonic recipe with Elderflower Liqueur! The simple addition of elderflower adds an unexpected & flavorful twist to a classic cocktail.
I’m a firm proponent of the saying, “don’t mess with a good thing”.
Why screw up something that’s already solid?
You might argue that a Gin and Tonic is practically perfect the way it is, but I challenge you to think outside the box just a bit and give this Elderflower Gin and Tonic recipe a try.
What makes this recipe different:
- With only three primary ingredients (plus a garnish), this is one unfussy drink. You can make it at home in minutes.
- It has all the traditional flavors that G&T lovers adore but adds a summery, refreshing twist with the addition of elderflower liqueur.
Ingredients
This gin mixed drink is only as good as the ingredients you put into it, so make sure you’re using quality brands you enjoy:
Instructions
Making a good G&T isn’t rocket science, but I do find that everyone likes their cocktail a little bit differently. Here’s my perfect gin & tonic recipe made with a splash of with elderflower liqueur:
- Fill lowball glass with ice. Add gin and elderflower liqueur.
- Top with quality tonic water, squeeze a lime wedge into the glass and stir to combine.
FAQs
A classic cocktail like a gin & tonic begs for a timeless spirit like the juniper-forward, London Dry gin. Our go-to is Tanqueray because it is reliable and readily available but don’t forget to check out your local distilleries for quality options, too.
My husband and I took a weekend road trip to Duluth, Minnesota, a few years ago and fell in love with Vikre Distillery’s Boreal Juniper Gin, so we often have that on hand regularly.
Schweppes and Canada Dry are your standard grocery store tonic waters. You’ll see them everywhere, and it’s often what you’ll get if you order a drink at a bar. They are dependable options.
But if you really want to elevate your G&T game, reach for either Q or Fever-Tree tonic waters. Made with natural quinine (not artificial flavors), these two tonic waters are more expensive than the grocery store brands, but you’ll be surprised how much they enhance the flavor of your drink.
I’m forever and ever in camp lime wedge for my G&T but feel free to shake it up if you want some variety.
You can do lemon or orange wedges, cucumber slices, edible flowers or any variety of fresh herbs for a pretty presentation.
You’ll see a variety of glasses used with G&T recipes - everything from highball/collins glasses to large globe wine glasses.
Personally, I always grab a lowball glass for this drink. It strikes the perfect balance between the ice and the ingredient amounts.
Non alcoholic Gin and Tonic
Guests always appreciate a tasty non alcoholic cocktail option, and you can get pretty close to the flavors of a gin and tonic with a few easy substitutions.
A quick Google search yields a number of alcohol-free “spirits” that mimic the botanical flavors of gin. If you’re not familiar with the options, ask at your liquor store for their best selling brand.
Elderflower cordial has the same floral notes of elderflower liqueur without the alcohol, so that’s an easy substitution.
Tip: You can also combine elderflower cordial with soda water for a unique and refreshing summer soda!
Love the elderflower gin combo? We have a handful of drink recipes with similar flavors:
- Made with gin and vodka, this elderflower martini is one of the most popular recipes on our site.
- This bubbly Elderflower French 75 cocktail is always the star at brunch.
- Special occasions call for special drinks, and this Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail never disappoints.
- A pour of this easy Elderflower Gin Gimlet in a coupe glass makes any occasion feel extra fancy.
- This refreshing White Wine Sangria with melon and cucumber is the perfect batch cocktail for your next BBQ.
Don’t miss the whole collection of our gin drinks in our archives.
Not a gin fan? Try our Vodka Soda with Elderflower or this Bourbon Mixed Drink with Elderflower liqueur instead!
Recipe
Gin and Tonic recipe with Elderflower
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 2-3 ounces tonic water
- lime wedge
Instructions
- Fill a lowball glass with ice.
- Pour in gin and elderflower liqueur.
- Top with tonic water.
- Squeeze lime wedge into glass, stir and serve.
Notes
Non alcoholic option:
Substitute a non alcoholic "gin-like" spirit for the gin and elderflower cordial for the elderflower liqueur to make an alcohol-free drink.Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Upgrade your happy hour with the BEST Gin & Tonic recipe! A quick splash of elderflower liqueur takes your G&T from average to outstanding. Your friends will definitely want the recipe.
I just made this recipe and added a smidge of cilantro. Delicious! I enjoyed it during a beautiful evening kayak on Lake Superior right next to the Vikre Distillery that you mentioned.
Cilantro? Now I'm intrigued. Will have to give that a go (and I'm picturing that sunset kayak trip right now - lovely)!