Photo via Unsplash
SAGE ADVICE: A GIN ELDERFLOWER COCKTAIL
There are lots of delicious elderflower cocktails— many of which use fresh lemon juice– but today’s recipe from bartender Rob is a beautiful cocktail mixing equal ounces gin and elderflower liqueur with lime juice, a homemade lime simple syrup, and sage leaves. It’s the perfect drink for spring and summer!
The Sage Advice is light and bright, ideal for dinner or as an aperitif-style cocktail. The floral notes and syrup add a hint of sweetness, combined with the acidity from the lime juice and earthiness of the sage. It’s a more delicate drink rather than a bold cocktail, so make sure not to get tricked into having too many!
Stock Photo via Giffard
WHAT IS ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR?
If you’re not familiar with this floral liqueur, its name comes from the white flowers of the elder tree. With its fruity and floral taste, it’s a great addition to many delicious cocktail recipes– or even to sparkling wine/champagne, soda water, or tonic water.
For this beautiful drink, Rob chose Giffard liqueur (they also make an elderflower syrup, which is different). The most popular option is probably St-Germain elderflower liqueur, so if you have that on hand or prefer it, of course use that instead. The Giffard is a little drier and perhaps slightly less sweet.
Definitely let us know if you make this elderflower gin cocktail with St. Germain– or if you compare them! I’d love to hear what you think of the difference between the two.
Photo by Glen Carrie via Unsplash
KAFFIR LIME SIMPLE SYRUP
You can make your own lime syrup easily at home– as long as you can procure kaffir lime leaves, of course. If that’s not going to happen, there is a kaffir lime liqueur— not the same as simple syrup– that you may be interested in trying instead. It will change the cocktail a bit (and add more alcohol), but it’s a substitute option.
We’d love to hear what you think of this floral drink or what your other favorite elderflower liqueur cocktails are. Leave us a comment or head over to our Facebook community group to share your thoughts!
Ready to make this refreshing cocktail? Grab this signature cocktail recipe below:
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 oz Gin (I used Drumshambo ‘Gunpowder’ Gin)
1/2 oz Giffard Elderflower Liqueur
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 oz Kaffir Lime Leaf Syrup
3 Sage Leaves
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Use your muddler to gently muddle 3 sage leaves in your cocktail shaker tin – Don’t obliterate them.
2) Combine all remaining ingredients into the shaker with ice cubes and shake for 10-15 seconds.
3) Double strain into a coupe or Nick & Nora cocktail glass.
4) Garnish with one or two sage leaves or a lime twist for a pop of color.
Photo by Rob Harrah
