Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill the drink.
Strainer: This helps me pour the cocktail neatly, without ice or pulp.
Jigger or measuring tool: Accuracy is important for the right flavor.
Tall glass (highball): I serve the cocktail over ice in a tall glass.
Bar spoon: I use this for gently stirring in the soda water.
Citrus juicer: Fresh juice makes a difference, so this is useful.
Ice: Enough to fill the glass and shake the drink.
Ingredients
2ozgin: I prefer a light and floral gin for this recipe.
1ozelderflower liqueursuch as St-Germain
3/4ozfresh lemon juice
1/2ozsimple syrup: I make this by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.
2-3ozclub soda or sparkling water: This adds the fizz.
Ice
Optional garnish: Lemon wheeledible flowers, or a sprig of fresh mint
Instructions
Fill the shaker with ice.
Add gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
Shake well for about 15 seconds, until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
Slowly top with club soda or sparkling water.
Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
Garnish with a lemon wheel, edible flower, or mint sprig, if desired.
I try not to over-shake or over-stir the club soda so the bubbles stay fresh. It’s easy to lose that fizz if you’re not careful, and nobody wants a flat cocktail.
Notes
I always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best flavor. If I want a less sweet drink, I just cut back the simple syrup a bit.For a stronger floral note, I’ll add a splash more elderflower liqueur, but I’m careful not to let it take over. This cocktail is best served immediately while cold and fizzy.I like to prep all the ingredients ahead so the process is quick. If I’m making drinks for a group, I’ll batch the recipe but hold off on adding the soda water until I’m pouring into glasses.If I want to make it non-alcoholic, I use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur and skip the gin. That way, everyone can have a refreshing, floral beverage—kids or adults.