Gin Blossom Cocktail Recipe
Gin Blossom Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:20
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Gin Blossom is a modern cocktail, a delightful twist on the classic gin and tonic. It's a favorite among gin lovers who appreciate a floral note in their drinks. The cocktail got its name from the floral notes of elderflower and the use of gin, a spirit traditionally distilled with juniper berries, which are known to blossom beautifully.
How Gin Blossom Tastes?
The Gin Blossom is a refreshing, light, and slightly sweet cocktail. The floral notes of elderflower liqueur blend harmoniously with the botanicals of the gin, while the tonic water adds a touch of bitterness. The lemon juice brings a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness.
Interesting facts about Gin Blossom
- The Gin Blossom is a perfect cocktail for spring and summer evenings.
- Despite its sweet and light taste, it's a strong cocktail due to the gin.
- The cocktail's name is also the name of a popular 90s rock band, Gin Blossoms.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Elderflower liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Tonic water: 3 oz(90ml)
- Lemon wheel: 1
- Garnish with edible flower:
A few good options for Gin Blossom are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
Gin, the heart of the cocktail, offers a complex botanical profile that provides depth and pairs beautifully with the aromatic elderflower. Typically a 2 oz serving is just right to ensure it's not overpowered by the mixer or too strong for the casual sipper. Without gin, you'd simply have a spritzy lemonade — not quite the 'blossom'! Go wild by trying different gins to change the profile; a Hendrick's might bring a hint of rose or cucumber into your concoction.
Alex Green
Elderflower Liqueur
Elderflower Liqueur is the sweet soul of this drink. It adds a gentle floral note, and at 1 oz, it's just enough to sing in harmony with the gin, without turning your drink into a flowery syrup. Skipping this would be like a garden without blooms—unthinkable in a 'Gin Blossom'! Substituting with St. Germain will kiss your taste buds with elegance, or a splash of hibiscus liqueur can make things a bit more exotic.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Sharp, zesty lemon juice at 1 oz provides the perfect acidic counterbalance to the sweet liqueur, brightening the cocktail. Too little, and the sweetness may dominate; too much, and you'll pucker up more than you'd want—maintaining the right proportions is key! Going without it would make the drink flat and uninteresting. If lemons aren’t your squeeze, try lime for a tangy twist that'll have you dancing the citrus samba!
Emma Rose
Tonic Water
Tonic water introduces a bubbly effervescence and a subtle bitterness from quinine that makes the Gin Blossom refreshing. Use 3 oz to keep it light and quaffable; too much dilutes the flavor, too little and you lose the fizz. No tonic? No party! But if it's a soiree with soda water, expect a lighter, less complex fizz. And remember, for a sunset vibe, try a touch of pink tonic water!
Alex Green
Lemon Wheel and Edible Flower
Garnish is more than just a pretty face; it's about aroma and ambiance. The lemon wheel adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh citrus scent, while an edible flower can make your drink Instagram-ready. Sans garnish, you’d lose the cocktail's charming personality. Swap the lemon wheel for an orange slice for a softer edge, or choose a different edible flower for a new look every time you bloom into a cocktail session!
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Gin Blossom Drink
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Top with tonic water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and an edible flower.
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality gin for a better tasting cocktail.
- Chill the glass before serving for a more refreshing drink.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Charcuterie Plate: The botanical notes of gin and the floral touch of elderflower will complement the savory and rich flavors of cured meats and artisan cheeses.
- Seafood: The crisp citrus taste in the cocktail can enhance the flavors of oysters, grilled shrimp, or a light seafood pasta.
- Salads: Opt for a fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing — the acidity from the lemon juice in the cocktail pairs well with the salad's fresh greens.
Drink Pairings
- Mineral Water: For those who want to stay refreshed without more alcohol, a glass of sparkling mineral water is a perfect accompaniment.
- Dry White Wine: For wine enthusiasts, a dry white wine with high acidity, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, can be a nice follow-up to the cocktail.
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What you could change in Gin Blossom
If you can't find elderflower liqueur, you can substitute it with St. Germain. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can reduce the amount of elderflower liqueur.
Explore all drinks starting with G here
And of course - twists🍹
Cucumber Gin Blossom
- Replace tonic water with cucumber-infused water and add a thin slice of cucumber as garnish. This version is even more refreshing and is perfect for those hot summer days. The cucumber's coolness will accentuate the herbaceous elements of the gin.
Rosy Gin Blossom
- Swap the lemon juice for rose water (about 0.25 oz to avoid overpowering) and add pink peppercorns as garnish. This twist will offer a more perfumed and romantic take on the classic, with a subtle hint of spice from the peppercorns.
Sparkling Gin Blossom
- Use prosecco instead of tonic water and add a sprig of mint for garnish. This bubbly twist is for celebrations; the prosecco adds a sophisticated effervescence and the mint gives a fresh, vibrant note to the cocktail.
In case you forgot basics how to make Gin Blossom
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Gin Blossom
What type of gin works best for this cocktail?
Any quality gin can be used, but try using a gin with floral and botanical notes to enhance the elderflower liqueur.
Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic alternative and use an elderflower cordial instead of the liqueur. It won't taste exactly the same, but it will be close.
Is there a suitable alternative for tonic water in this cocktail?
Yes, you could use soda water or ginger ale. However, keep in mind the taste will slightly deviate from the original recipe.
What does elderflower taste like?
Elderflower has a distinctive, delicately sweet and floral taste, with a hint of lychee fruit.
Can this drink be made in a large batch for parties?
Yes, the cocktail can easily be scaled up to make a larger batch. Just make sure you maintain the same proportions to keep the right balance of flavors.
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