Name: Grapefruit Elderflower Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ ounces gin ((I 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

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: Crisp and refreshing, this grapefruit elderflower cocktail with gin is an easy 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)

A glass of grapefruit cocktail garnished with basil, next to a grapefruit half, basil, and a grapefruit peel curl on a light surface.

I Went to New Orleans and Came Home With This Cocktail

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

I came home and immediately started making my 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.
Easy to make. This isn’t a complicated cocktail. You only need four ingredients: gin (I 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 easy 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 very 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.

Two glasses of a light pink cocktail are on a white surface, garnished with mint and grapefruit peel, with a halved grapefruit and bottles of St-Germain and Hendricks gin in the background.

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. I 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.

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