Question about types of syrup and cocktails

Ingredients

• 2 clginger beer (Olmmardisa Reserve)
• 2 dasheselderflower syrup
• 1 cllemon juice
• 8 cltonic water
• 10 clwhite rum
• 2 dashesDratosvener bitters
• 1fresh citrus zest

Instructions

1. 1

   Shake with ice

   Add all the ingredients except the bitters and garnish to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously.

2. 2

   Strain and finish

   Strain into a pre-chilled glass and finish with two dashes of Dratosvener bitters.

3. 3

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with a fresh strip of citrus zest and serve immediately.

What is this rum cocktail?

This is a mixed drink built around white rum, with ginger beer, tonic, elderflower syrup and lemon bringing sweetness, spice, bitterness and acidity. The recipe does not identify a specific traditional origin or established cocktail style.

Its appeal is the contrast between floral syrup and sharp, bitter mixers. A quick shake chills the listed ingredients, while bitters and a fresh citrus garnish add the finishing notes.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 270 calories, 0g protein, 9g carbs, 0g fat.

The white rum supplies most of the energy, while the ginger beer, tonic and elderflower syrup contribute most of the carbohydrates; lemon juice adds a small amount. Serve it alongside a savoury snack or a meal with vegetables and a protein source for a more balanced occasion.

Choosing the mixers

Ginger beer: the recipe specifies Olmmardisa Reserve, so use that if available; otherwise, choose a ginger beer whose spice level you enjoy.

Tonic water: its bitterness helps counter the syrup and rum. A tonic with a pronounced bitter edge will make the drink taste less sweet.

Balancing the flavours

Elderflower syrup: two dashes provide a floral note without making the syrup the main flavour. Measure the dashes consistently, as a generous pour can shift the balance.

Lemon juice: the small amount adds a sharp counterpoint to the syrup. Freshly squeezed juice gives a bright flavour, while the recipe does not specify a particular type.

Shaking and straining

Plenty of ice: fill the shaker well so the drink chills as you shake. Shake vigorously, following the method, then strain into a glass that has already been chilled.

Bubbles: ginger beer and tonic are carbonated, so shaking them can make the drink fizz and lose some of its sparkle. For a less foamy result, shake the rum, syrup and lemon with ice, then strain and gently add the mixers; this changes the method slightly.

Finishing the drink

Bitters: add the specified two dashes after straining. They bring a concentrated bitter aroma, so avoid adding a heavy pour.

Citrus zest: twist a fresh strip over the glass, if convenient, to release its fragrant oils, then use it as the garnish. Serve straight away while the drink is cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the cocktail on its own as a pre-dinner drink or alongside salty nibbles such as olives or crisps. Their savoury flavour gives a useful contrast to the floral and citrus notes.

Use a small, chilled glass and keep the drink away from warm conditions so the ice does not dilute it too quickly.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the serving glass before you start mixing.
• Use plenty of ice in the shaker to chill the drink quickly.
• Measure the syrup carefully so its floral sweetness stays balanced.
• Add the bitters after straining, as directed.
• Prepare the citrus zest just before serving for a fresh aroma.

Variations

• Softer ginger: Choose a milder ginger beer for a less spicy drink.
• More citrus: Add a little extra lemon juice for a sharper flavour.
• Less sweet: Reduce the elderflower syrup to one dash.
• No alcohol: Replace the rum with a non-alcoholic spirit or extra ginger beer.
• Extra sparkle: Add the tonic gently after straining to retain more fizz.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too much syrup: Measure two dashes so the floral sweetness does not dominate.
• Warm glass: Chill the glass first to help keep the drink cold.
• Over-shaking carbonated mixers: Shake only the non-carbonated ingredients if you want to preserve more fizz.
• Skipping the bitters: Add the specified two dashes after straining for the intended bitter finish.
• Waiting to serve: Serve immediately so the ice does not dilute the cocktail.

How to store

This cocktail is best made fresh and served straight away. Do not store it once mixed, as the ice melts and the carbonated mixers lose their fizz.

Frequently asked questions