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Vegan Elderflower Grapefruit Gin & Tonic Cocktail Drink

Vegan Elderflower Grapefruit Gin & Tonic

Bright grapefruit, floral elderflower, and crisp tonic water come together in a glass that looks like summer and tastes like the grown-up lemonade you deserved as a kid. This Vegan Elderflower Grapefruit Gin & Tonic tastes fancy but takes five minutes to make. Yes, really
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 279
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ice
  • 1½ fl oz Gin
  • 1 fl oz Elderflower Liqueur use a vegan-certified liqueur or elderflower cordial + splash of simple syrup to keep it vegan
  • 1 small sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1½ fl oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 6 fl oz Tonic water
  • Optional garnishes: juniper berries rosemary, sliced grapefruit

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker (or a jam jar with a tight lid)
  • Highball or rocks glass (mason jar works fine)
  • Jigger or measuring spoons
  • Citrus juicer (hand press or manual works)
  • Knife and cutting board for garnishes

Method
 

  1. Instructions
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, and one small sprig of fresh rosemary.
  3. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Yes, you will feel like a bartender. Embrace it.
  4. Fill a highball glass, rocks glass, or mason jar with ice. Pour the mixed elderflower and gin over the ice and top off with tonic water.
  5. Garnish with juniper berries, fresh rosemary, or grapefruit wedges, if desired. Sip, savor, and repeat responsibly.

Notes

How to keep it 100% vegan (and why that matters)

Some liqueurs and alcoholic products use animal-derived fining agents during production. If you want the cocktail strictly vegan, do one of the following:
  • Choose a vegan-certified elderflower liqueur. Look for a vegan label or check the producer’s website.
  • Use elderflower cordial or syrup (vegan by nature) and add a splash of simple syrup if you need extra sweetness.
  • Pick a vegan-friendly gin and tonic — most gins and tonic waters are vegan, but certifications vary. A quick label check keeps you safe.
Pro tip: When in doubt, swap the liqueur for elderflower cordial plus a small extra measure of gin — same vibe, safer conscience.

Flavor breakdown & why the ingredients work

  • Gin: adds botanicals and backbone. Choose your favorite; different gins change the profile. A floral or citrus-forward gin pairs beautifully with elderflower.
  • Elderflower liqueur (or cordial): brings floral sweetness and perfume. It makes this drink memorable.
  • Grapefruit juice: supplies brightness and bittersweet complexity that cuts the sweetness. Fresh juice always beats bottled.
  • Tonic water: balances the drink with gentle bitterness and bubbles. Use a quality tonic for the best mouthfeel.
  • Rosemary: adds herbal perfume and a hint of pine that plays with the gin’s botanicals.
Rhetorical question: Want a cocktail that tastes like a sunny garden party? This is it.