Grapefruit Elderflower Cocktail

At a glance

What stands out: Crisp and refreshing, this grapefruit elderflower cocktail with gin is a straightforward one to make and an even easier one to drink! It’s refreshing and not too sweet.

How long it takes: 5 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: optional cocktail shaker
Servings: 1 (or make as many as you like)

We Went to New Orleans and Came Home With This Cocktail

Ben and we went to New Orleans for the first time recently. We ate constantly, as you would expect. One of a standby meals we had was at Gris-Gris, and we ordered a cocktail called the “Gin Brigitte” — gin, elderflower, grapefruit, basil. We later found out it’s Chef Eric’s wife’s favorite cocktail. We completely understand why.

We came home and immediately started making our own version. Light, refreshing, not too sweet, and it feels a little special without being complicated. Four ingredients, no shaker required. This might be your new favorite summer cocktail.

What makes it special:

• Refreshing, light, and so flavorful. This cocktail may become your favorite summer cocktail. It’s not overly sweet or heavy, and at only 151 calories per cocktail, you won’t feel like you’re busting the calorie bank.
• Straightforward to mix. This isn’t a complicated cocktail. You only need four ingredients: gin (we like Hendrick’s or London Dry Gin), elderflower liqueur (St-Germain), grapefruit juice, and fresh basil. Since it’s served on the rocks, a cocktail shaker isn’t required.
• Can be made ahead. If you’re hosting a party, it’s straightforward to stir up a big batch of this grapefruit elderflower cocktail ahead of time and keep a pitcher chilled in the refrigerator, all ready to go.

What is elderflower liqueur?

St-Germain is a popular brand of elderflower liqueur although there are other brands available as well. The flavor is slightly floral without being overpowering. You can drink elderflower liqueur straight, on the rocks, or as an ingredient in a cocktail. Try it in a cherry martini with elderflower and lime or a Stardust Dazzler. A hibiscus mimosa can be made with St-Germain, too.

Cocktail Variations

• Make it with vodka. If you’re not a gin fan, this drink is great with vodka as well.
• Use a different garnish. If you don’t have basil or don’t like basil, try garnishing the cocktail with a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint.
• Add sweeteners. We think the elderflower liqueur adds a lot of sweetness, but if you like it a touch sweeter, try adding honey, agave, or simple syrup.
• Add sparkle. A splash of prosecco, champagne, tonic, or soda water will add bubbles to this drink.
• More summer cocktails: You’ll also find grapefruit juice or grapefruit soda in a Paloma, along with lime juice and tequila. A cranberry margarita, sparkling pink lemonade, or watermelon mint lemonade are light, summery cocktails, too.

Negroni – How to make a standby negroni cocktail!

• Yield: 1
• Prep: 5 minutes
• Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ ounces gin (we like Hendrick's or London Dry Gin)
• 1 ounce elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
• 1 ounce grapefruit juice (use fresh grapefruit juice, not canned)
• fresh basil for garnish

Method

1. Shake or stir all ingredients.
2. Pour over ice. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

Pro tip: Chill all the ingredients ahead of time so the cocktail doesn’t become overly diluted by the ice.

Make a pitcher. For eight servings, mix together 1 ½ cups gin, 1 cup elderflower liqueur, and 1 cup grapefruit juice. Chill until ready to use. To serve, pour 3 ½ ounces of the mixture over ice, and garnish with basil.

Substitute vodka. If you’re not a gin fan, this cocktail is great with vodka as well.

Change the garnish. If you don’t have basil or don’t like basil, try garnishing it with a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint.

Add sparkle. Try adding a splash of prosecco, champagne, tonic, or soda water to this elderflower cocktail.