Best Ever Happy Hour Cocktails Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because the combination of gin, lime, and elderflower liqueur creates a sophisticated and refreshing flavor that feels like a garden party in a glass. Plus, the touch of orange bitters and mint garnish gives it that trendy twist that makes it perfect for sharing on Instagram!

Creating cocktails that represent the ideal happy hour is something I almost put in the category of fine art. Take this cocktail.

It’s a simple combination of gin, fresh lime juice, and elderflower liqueur, yet it pushes all the right buttons. On the one hand, it is very direct in its tartness.

It is a very limey cocktail. On the other hand, that tartness is offset in a very clever way by the flavors of the elderflower liqueur, which act like a kind of magic floral herbal counterpoint.

Ingredients

• Gin: Herbaceous and aromatic, gin provides a strong, earthy base with a hint of juniper.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Tart and refreshing, lime juice adds zesty citrus notes and aids digestion.
• Elderflower Liqueur: Sweet and floral, it adds a fragrant complexity and a touch of sweetness.
• Simple Syrup: A touch of sweetness, balancing the acidity of lime for a smoother sip.
• Orange Bitters: Adds a subtle citrus aroma, enhancing depth and complexity in the cocktail.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• Ice cubes
• Club soda, to top
• Lime wheel, for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions

1. Properly chill your cocktail by filling a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Pour 2 ounces of gin into the shaker to create a firm foundation of spirits.

3. To balance the botanicals with citrus, pour in 1 oz of fresh lime juice.

4. Mix in 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur to insert nectar of florals. This is the secret ingredient. You may leave out the elderflower liqueur if you’re not a fan, but remember it won’t taste the same.

5. Include 1/2 oz of simple syrup if you prefer your drink a little sweeter.

6. Infuse the drink with 2 drops of orange bitters for the ultimate flavor experience. The bitterness will meld beautifully with the amaro, and the citrus notes will give the whole drink a bright lift.

7. Fasten the lid to the shaker and shake it with force for approximately 15 seconds until it is well chilled.

8. Pour the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass filled with fresh ice.

9. Add a refreshing effervescence by topping with club soda.

10. Add visual appeal and aromatic elements with a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig. Serve right away, and relish this high-style cocktail.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker
2. Jigger or measuring cup
3. Citrus juicer (optional, for fresh lime juice)
4. Knife and cutting board
5. Strainer (optional, if your shaker doesn’t have one)
6. Cocktail glass
7. Bar spoon or stirring stick (optional for stirring club soda)
8. Ice cube tray or ice maker
9. Measuring spoons (for dashes of orange bitters)

FAQ

• Can I substitute the gin with another spirit?Vodka can be used in place of gin, but it will change the flavor profile of the cocktail.
• What can I use instead of elderflower liqueur?A liqueur with a floral or citrus flavor, such as St-Germain, can be used, or you could opt for a citrus liqueur, like orange, for a slightly different taste. Both of these options add a nice touch.
• How do I make simple syrup?Equal parts sugar and water go into a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then cool before using.
• Is it necessary to use fresh lime juice?For the best flavor, fresh lime juice is recommended; however, if you are in a bind, bottled lime juice can be used.
• Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?A batch can be readied in advance, but it mustn’t contain the club soda; that ingredient gets added just before serving to maintain the drink’s marvelous, mouthwatering fizz.
• What kind of glass should I serve this cocktail in?A Collins or highball glass is perfect due to the added club soda and garnishes.
• Are the garnishes essential?An optional element of the cocktail, garnishes are a chance for the bartender to showcase their personality and creativity.

Substitutions and Variations

Use 2 oz of vodka in place of gin.
1 oz lemon juice subbed for lime juice
1 oz syrup of elderflower in place of elderflower liqueur
1/2 oz agave nectar as a substitute for simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters, instead of orange bitters

Pro Tips

– Chill Everything Ensure your glass is pre-chilled by placing it in the freezer ahead of time. This keeps the cocktail colder for longer and enhances the drinking experience.

– Use Fresh Lime Juice Always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice over bottled options for the best flavor. Roll the lime on the counter before juicing to maximize the amount of juice you get.

– Adjust Sweetness Taste the cocktail before serving. If it’s too tart, adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more simple syrup, a quarter ounce at a time, to suit your preference.

– Enhance the Aroma Before placing the mint sprig as a garnish, gently slap it between your hands to release its essential oils. This will enhance the aroma when you serve the cocktail.

– Experiment with Bitters While orange bitters are recommended, you can experiment with different types of bitters (like grapefruit or lavender) to add a unique twist to the cocktail.