Add hibiscus and elderflower flavors for a floral and lightly sweet twist on the classic gin & tonic recipe that you can make in under five minutes with just a few ingredients!
Today we're chatting about a seasonal take on one of my faves: the gin & tonic cocktail. I'm not even gonna hold you--let's get into this easy gin and tonic twist!
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love my Cherry Elderflower Gin Smash and Matcha Gin Martini.
What does it taste like?
This spring gin & tonic aka hibiscus gin cocktail doesn't completely upend the gin & tonic recipe because it's perfect as is, after all. It's refreshing, effervescent, and potent. You'll taste floral, earthy, and sweet notes in addition to the botanical blend of the gin and twist of citrus.
Try my Hibiscus Rose Mocktail for a floral sip with zero alcohol!
What's in a Hibiscus Gin & Tonic?
The classic G&T recipe calls for three simple ingredients, gin, tonic water, and lime, over ice. My floral gin & tonic recipe is a cocktail for gin lovers. Here's what you'll need to make it.
Gin is the only spirit so make sure to use one you love. I typically use Still ATX, Citadelle or Hendrick's gin in this recipe.
Fresh Lime for flavor and a pop of color. If you don't have lime on hand, lemon or grapefruit are good substititutes.
Hibiscus Tea brewed from dried hibiscus flowers or a tea bag will give you the best, truest flavor and beautiful deep color.
Elderflower Tonic Water set this recipe apart from other gin & tonics by adding another layer of sweet floral flavor. If you can't find elderflower tonic water near you, substitute with regular tonic water and a splash of elderflower liqueur.
Wild Hibiscus Flower in Syrup is a great garnish for this drink. It's optional but highly recommended.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, and step-by-step instructions!
More Flavored Gin and Tonic Recipes
There's no debating that this is the best gin drink for spring. Here are a few more easy gin cocktails for every other season, too!
Tips & Tools for Making this Hibiscus Cocktail
Grab a jigger to measure the liquid ingredients and a bar spoon to gently stir the cocktail together. If you don't have a jigger on hand, a shot glass will also work. And a butter knife can work in place of a bar spoon!
Is this cocktail low calorie? Gin and tonic cocktails are naturally kinder to your waistline because the ingredients are so simple! This hibiscus elderflower gin cocktail has about 100 calories so you can sip without guilt. Check out the recipe card for full nutrition details.
Frequently Asked Questions
I gotchu, boo. Hibiscus is slightly sweet but mostly tart and similar to cranberry. It adds flavor to a gin & tonic that isn't overpowering and perfectly complementary to the citrus and other floral notes of the cocktail.
Yes, you totally can. Eating the candied hibiscus once I've drained the glass is one of my favorite parts of the this hibiscus gin recipe.
I order them direct or snag them through Amazon.
How to Make a Gin & Tonic with Hibiscus
Start with a glass of ice about ¾ full. Pour in the gin, followed by the hibiscus tea.
Top the drink off with elderflower tonic water.
Add fresh lime wheels or wedges and a candied hibiscus flower in syrup, to finish.
Recipe Variations
You can make this hibiscus cocktail in different ways to achieve a similar flavor profile. For a lighter color and more sweetness, make the cocktail with a splash of hibiscus simple syrup instead of tea (pictured below).
Or make the hibiscus gin and tonic spiritless with a zero proof botanical blend or green tea in place of gin.
I originally developed this recipe with hibiscus syrup then was inspired by an amazing tea version while visiting Berlin and updated it! Both ways are delicious.
More Hibiscus Drink Recipes
Hibiscus French 75 with Champagne
Hibiscus Hot Toddy with Whiskey
Hibiscus (Zobo) Superfood Lemonade
Hibiscus Tea Latte with Coconut Milk
What else can I add to a gin tonic?
I love a good Spanish style gin & tonic and do flavored gin and tonics from time to time so today's floral gin & tonic recipe is very on brand. After you add this boozy hibiscus cocktail to your repertoire, here are a few more ideas for what to add to a gin and tonic.
- Cucumber
- Elderflower Liqueur
- Grapefruit, Lemon, or Orange (instead of lime)
- Juniper Berries
- Mint Leaves
- Other Edible Flowers
- Peppercorns
I hope you'll pour up a hibiscus elderflower cocktail for your next happy hour at home very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this cocktail with hibiscus tea for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Elderflower Hibiscus Gin & Tonic Recipe
Gin & Tonic with Hibiscus
Equipment
- 1 jigger
- 1 bar spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- ice
- 2-3 ounces gin
- 2 ounces hibiscus tea
- 6 ounces elderflower tonic water
- 2 wheels fresh lime or wedges
- 1 wild hibiscus flower in syrup to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass ¾ full with ice.
- Add gin to glass, followed by hibiscus tea.
- Top up glass with elderflower tonic water and gently stir. Add lime wheels and hibiscus flower to garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!
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