Ingredients
- 3/4 ozFresh Lime JuiceFresh squeezedSubstitute: Lemon acceptable
- 2 dashesAngostura Orange BittersFloral citrus notesSubstitute: Lavender bitters
- 3/4 ozSt-GermainElderflower liqueurSubstitute: Elderflower cordial
- 2 ozGinHendrick's preferredSubstitute: Botanist gin
- 1/4 ozSimple SyrupLight simple syrupSubstitute: Agave syrup
Instructions
- Add 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz St-Germain, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/4 oz simple syrup to shaker
- Add 2 dashes orange bitters
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously
- Double strain into chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with mint sprig
Technique Notes
Shake short and cold. Elderflower and gin botanicals are volatile, and a long shake flattens the aromatics you built the drink around.
Why the London Garden Works
St-Germain's elderflower doubles down on gin's botanicals, and the orange bitters lift the citrus theme so the drink reads as a coherent garden rather than a stack of green flavours. Lime keeps the elderflower's sweetness in check; the simple syrup is a half-measure, just enough to round the edges.