Elderflower gin and tonic is a refreshing twist on a classic G&T. A blend of St Germain elderflower liqueur with a dash of zingy lemon juice creates a fashionable summer gin cocktail for minimal effort.
Another great summer sip involving gin is the English Garden cocktail.

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This elderflower gin and tonic is a delicate floral twist on the classic, perfect for summer quaffing. I’ve tinkered with the traditional G&T, elevating it with elderflower liqueur and a splash of lemon juice. The dash of citrus enlivens those floral notes, transforming the drink into the ideal summer gin cocktail.
Why you’ll love this drink
- Aesthetically pleasing: seasonal elderflowers create a captivating and elegant garnish that is pretty on the eye.
- Aroma: Oh, the joy of tangy lemon and enchanting elderflower.
- Taste: Elderflower goes superbly well with gin. It’s a treat!
- Unexpected: This St Germain gin and tonic takes the classic drink up several notches.
- Easy: It’s ready in no time and you don’t need special bar equipment.
This gin and tonic with elderflower, fitting the bill for summer gin and tonic, forms part of a mini-series of seasonal gin and tonic recipes. This recipe collection includes a winter gin & tonic, spring gin & tonic and autumn gin and tonic plus a couple of extras. Go take a look!
But if it’s specifically the flavour of elderflower drawing you in today, then don’t miss my lemon and elderflower cupcakes.
Ingredients notes
Elderflower liqueur: Use store-bought (I like St Germain) or homemade elderflower liqueur
Gin: A gin made with floral botanicals such as Aviation, Silent Pool, Amarula gin or Bloom are perfect for this gin & tonic with elderflower.
Tonic water: The obvious choice is elderflower tonic, but if you cannot get this, a quality classic tonic water is fine.
Step by step instructions
- Step 1: Pour the gin, elderflower liqueur and lemon juice into a jug with plenty of ice.
- Step 2: Stir briskly for 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Put a handful of ice into a Copa glass and strain the mixed alcohol over the ice.
- Step 4: Pour in the tonic water and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh elderflowers.
Expert tips
- Don’t under-estimate the power of garnishes: A sprig of elderflower and a segment of lemon add visual impact and exquisite aroma to this summer gin cocktail.
- Shake the elderflowers to remove insects.
- Adjust the amount of tonic water to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy a soft and gentle buzz of alcohol, then add more tonic water. But for a stronger version of this elderflower gin and tonic recipe, use less tonic water.
- Plenty of ice: chill your ingredients and don’t skimp on the ice in the glass. This summer gin cocktail is best served ice-cold.
Frequently asked questions
Honestly, I think the ratio of gin to tonic in a gin and tonic recipe is entirely down to personal preference. In this St Germain gin and tonic I enjoy a ratio of 1 part gin to 3 parts tonic, but if you prefer more or less tonic go with that.
If you can lay your hands on a couple of sprigs of fresh elderflower blossom to garnish your St Germain gin & tonic, you are in for a real treat. Your senses will be indulged with the delicate charm of the humble elderflower — its beauty & fragrance.
Fresh blooms should smell wonderfully floral, creamy, and evocatively summery. If you’ve picked flowers that smell musty or damp, don’t use these! It’s a sign they are past their best and it’s not wise to spoil a good summer gin cocktail with a poor aromatic.
If fresh elderflowers aren’t available, don’t despair. A few rose petals or mint leaves make excellent alternatives — just be certain they come from a pesticide-free source.
Copa glasses are ideal for gin and tonic drinks. Their generous size allows for plenty of ice to keep the drink deliciously ice-cold, while the wide bowl enables the aromatics to open up and shine.
If you do not have a Copa glass then a large wine glass isn’t a bad bet. But a highball will also suffice.
It’s likely that you poured the tonic in too quickly or perhaps stirred the drink too much. Treat this drink gently.
More gin drinks to enjoy
Have you made this recipe for elderflower gin and tonic? Please let me know if you enjoyed it and how you chose to garnsih your summer gin cocktail. I always love to hear from my readers.
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📖 Recipe
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Elderflower Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
- 40 ml/ 8 tsp Gin (preferably floral)
- 3 teaspoon Elderflower Liqueur such as St Germain
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 120 ml/ ½ cup Tonic water (preferably elderflower)
To garnish
- 2-3 Slim wedges fresh lemon
- 2-3 Small sprigs fresh elderflowers (see notes) or mint/ rose petals
Instructions
- Add plenty of ice to a cocktail jug and pour in the elderflower liqueur, gin and lemon juice, stir briefly and pour over the ice
- Stir the contents of the jug for 30 seconds to blend and chill them.
- Fill a Copa glass with ice and strain the liquid in the jug into it.
- Top up with tonic water.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh elderflowers.
Notes
- Don’t under-estimate the power of garnishes: A sprig of elderflower and a segment of lemon add visual impact and exquisite aroma.
- Shake the elderflowers to remove insects.
- Adjust the strength to suit your taste preferences: if you enjoy a soft and gentle buzz of alcohol, then add more tonic water. But for a stronger version of this elderflower gin and tonic, use less tonic water.
- Plenty of ice: chill your ingredients and don’t skimp on the ice in the glass. This summer gin cocktail is best served ice-cold.
Jane Coupland
I hope you enjoy this summer G&T – don’t miss the rest of my seasonal takes on this classic cocktail.
Shiho
Beautiful photos! very inviting drink. It’s a Friday here I will have this tonight ;D
Jane Saunders
Thanks Shiho – enjoy your Friday.
Veena Azmanov
I will definitely try this out next time I’m having guests over!
Jane Saunders
Lucky guests – i hope you all enjoy it.
Wilhelmina Wessel
This is such an elegant cocktail! Love it!
Jane Saunders
Thankyou Wilhelmina
Madi
I love the combination of flavors! Elderflower is the best, I can’t wait to try this out!
Jane Saunders
Thanks Madi. I’m sure you’ll love it when you do.