Summery Elderflower Gin Spritz

Ingredients

• 50 ml per persondry gin
• 30 ml per personelderflower cordial
• 100 ml per personplain or lemon kombucha
• to tastesparkling water
• as neededice cubes
• 1lemon, sliced
• ½cucumber, cut into thin ribbons
• to tastefresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. 1

   Fill with ice

   Fill each glass generously with ice cubes to help keep the drink cold.

2. 2

   Add gin

   Pour 50 ml of dry gin into each glass.

3. 3

   Add cordial

   Measure 30 ml of elderflower cordial into each glass.

4. 4

   Stir briefly

   Use a long spoon to stir the gin and cordial together.

5. 5

   Top with mixers

   Add 100 ml of chilled plain or lemon kombucha to each glass, then finish with sparkling water to taste.

6. 6

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish each drink with a lemon slice, a few cucumber ribbons and a fresh sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

What is an elderflower gin spritz?

A spritz is a chilled, sparkling drink served over ice, and this version pairs gin with floral elderflower cordial and kombucha. The recipe draws on familiar European aperitif flavours, while the kombucha gives it a gently tangy edge.

Its appeal is the contrast between fragrant cordial, crisp bubbles and fresh citrus and herbs. Because the drink is built directly in the glass, there is no need for a shaker.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 205 calories, 0g protein, 19g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrate and sugar comes from the elderflower cordial, with a smaller amount from the kombucha; the gin contributes most of the energy but little protein or fat. Pair the spritz with a snack that includes vegetables and a source of protein, such as hummus with crudités.

Choosing the mixers

Gin: A dry gin keeps the cordial's sweetness from dominating and lets its botanical notes come through.

Kombucha: Plain kombucha gives a more restrained flavour, while lemon kombucha makes the citrus note more pronounced. Use it chilled so the drink is cold as soon as it is assembled.

Sparkling water: Add a splash to taste, adjusting the fizz and strength without changing the main flavour combination.

Build it over plenty of ice

Ice: Fill each glass generously before adding the other ingredients. Plenty of ice chills the drink and helps it stay refreshing as you sip.

Order: Stir the gin and cordial briefly before pouring in the kombucha. This gives the cordial a chance to blend in without stirring away too much of the finished drink's fizz.

Keep the bubbles lively

Add the kombucha and sparkling water gently, then serve promptly. A slow stir or no further stir after topping up helps preserve the bubbles.

If you are preparing several glasses, measure each serving separately and garnish just before serving. This keeps the drinks consistent and the cucumber and mint looking fresh.

Garnish for freshness

Cucumber: Thin ribbons are easy to tuck into the glass and bring a cool, mild flavour. A vegetable peeler works well for making them.

Lemon and mint: A lemon slice adds a bright citrus aroma, while a fresh mint sprig gives the drink a herbal finish. Use a little of each so they complement rather than cover the elderflower.

What to serve with it

Serve this spritz as an aperitif or alongside light snacks such as olives, crisp vegetables or mild cheeses. Its floral, citrusy character also suits simple summer salads.

The recipe is assembled in individual glasses, so make each drink shortly before it is served rather than mixing a large batch in advance.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the kombucha before assembling the drinks.
• Use a glass large enough to hold the ice and all the mixers without overflowing.
• Stir the gin and cordial together before adding the fizzy ingredients.
• Make thin cucumber ribbons with a vegetable peeler.
• Add the sparkling water gradually and taste as you go.
• Garnish just before serving to keep the mint and cucumber fresh.

Variations

• Lemon-forward: Choose lemon kombucha for a brighter citrus flavour.
• Less sweet: Reduce the elderflower cordial and add a little more sparkling water.
• Herbal twist: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary alongside the mint.
• Citrus swap: Use a thin lime slice instead of the lemon.
• No-alcohol version: Replace the gin with extra kombucha and adjust the sparkling water to taste.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Warm mixers: They quickly melt the ice; chill the kombucha before pouring.
• Too little ice: The drink warms faster; fill each glass generously.
• Over-stirring: This can flatten the fizz; stir the gin and cordial only briefly.
• Too much cordial: It can overpower the other flavours; measure 30 ml per glass and adjust only after tasting.
• Thick cucumber pieces: They are harder to fit into the glass; shave the cucumber into thin ribbons.

How to store

This drink is best made and served immediately, as the ice melts and the bubbles fade over time. Keep unopened mixers chilled and store sliced lemon, cucumber and mint separately in the fridge until needed.

Frequently asked questions