Our dandelion, elderflower, and cucumber gin fizz is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of a warm summer evening in Maine. This elegant drink combines the unique flavors of homemade dandelion syrup, fragrant elderflower liqueur, and crisp cucumber, creating an exquisite balance of floral notes and refreshing zest. With a lively touch of tart lemon juice and effervescent club soda, this gin-based cocktail is perfect for any summer gathering or a tranquil night spent enjoying the gentle breeze.
Makes
1 drinkIngredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz dandelion syrup see recipe below
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur such as St. Germain
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup cucumber thinly sliced
- 2 oz club soda chilled
- Ice
- Fresh dandelion flowers for garnish
- Long thin slice of cucumber for garnish
Instructions
To make the dandelion syrup:
- In a small saucepan, bring the dandelion petals, water, and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from the heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a stronger dandelion flavor.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the dandelion petals. Transfer the syrup to a jar and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
To make the Maine Dandelion, Elderflower, and Cucumber Gin Fizz:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, dandelion syrup, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and sliced cucumber. Shake well until chilled and well mixed.
- Fill a tall glass with ice and strain the cocktail mixture over the ice.
- Top off the glass with the chilled club soda, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish the glass with a fresh dandelion flower, a lemon wheel, and a long, thin slice of cucumber, if desired.
- Serve immediately and savor the refreshing taste of a Maine summer evening.
- This elegant and refreshing gin-based cocktail combines the unique flavors of dandelion syrup, fragrant elderflower liqueur, and crisp cucumber, creating a delightful sipper for those warm summer nights in Maine. The tartness of the lemon juice and the effervescence of the club soda add a lively touch, making this drink a perfect choice for any summer gathering.
