Dervish Delight: A Refreshing Elderflower Gin Infusion
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Ingredients
-
100 ml English dry gin
(Use a good quality London dry gin)
-
60 ml Elderflower cordial
(Adds floral sweetness)
-
30 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
(preferably freshly squeezed)
-
100 ml Sparkling water
(To top up)
-
6 leaves Fresh Mint Leaves
(For garnish and subtle herbal aroma)
-
4 slices thin lemon slices
(For garnish)
-
200 grams Crushed Ice
(Chill and serve the cocktail)
(Use a good quality London dry gin)
(Adds floral sweetness)
(preferably freshly squeezed)
(To top up)
(For garnish and subtle herbal aroma)
(For garnish)
(Chill and serve the cocktail)
Nutrition
- Servings: 2
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail glass (approx. 250ml)
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Iron: 0.1 mg
Instructions
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1 - Prepare Glassware and Ingredients:
Fill two cocktail glasses with crushed ice to chill. Gather the measured ingredients.
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2 - Mix Base Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, elderflower cordial, and fresh lemon juice. Add a handful of ice.
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3 - Shake to Combine:
Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled and combined.
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4 - Strain and Top:
Strain the mixture evenly into the chilled cocktail glasses filled with fresh crushed ice. Top each with sparkling water.
-
5 - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices. Serve immediately for best refreshment.
Fill two cocktail glasses with crushed ice to chill. Gather the measured ingredients.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, elderflower cordial, and fresh lemon juice. Add a handful of ice.
Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled and combined.
Strain the mixture evenly into the chilled cocktail glasses filled with fresh crushed ice. Top each with sparkling water.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices. Serve immediately for best refreshment.
More About: Dervish Delight: A Refreshing Elderflower Gin Infusion
Summary
The Dervish Delight Infusion is a beautifully balanced English cocktail featuring dry gin and the sweet floral notes of elderflower cordial, enhanced with fresh lemon juice and a subtle hint of mint. Its name evokes a sense of lively movement and vibrant refreshment, reflecting how this cocktail awakens the senses.
History and Cultural Significance
While elderflower has long been cherished in UK culinary traditions for emulsifying subtle floral flavor, its marriage to gin – an emblematic English spirit – creates a harmonious reflection of classic and modern tastes. Gin, first popularized in England in the early 18th century, lends this cocktail a spirited nod to its roots, while elderflower cordial, enjoyed for centuries for both culinary and medicinal benefits, softens and sweetens the mix beautifully.
Tips & Notes
- Use high-quality London dry gin for authenticity and best flavor extraction.
- Elderflower cordial delivers floral sweetness; Fresh cordial is preferred but good bottled versions work well.
- Fresh lemon juice adds vital acidity to balance floral notes – be sure it’s freshly squeezed.
- Sprinkle crushed ice generously for ideal dilution and temperature maintenance.
- Sparkling water inclusion lightens the cocktail, enhancing its refreshing character without overpowering.
- Garnish with mint and lemon slices to amplify aromatics and visual appeal.
Unique Aspects
This cocktail's uniqueness lies in the delicate equilibrium between floral elderflower sweetness and sparkling citrus delivery built on earthy English gin. Each sip evokes sensory delight as it dances between bright acidity and subtle herbaceous relaxation, making it perfect for warm spring and summer occasions.
Personal Thoughts
The Dervish Delight Infusion represents creativity and elegance, bridging traditional English ingredients with a modern cocktail aesthetic. I particularly find it encourages convivial moments, and could be enjoyed leisurely outdoors or to toast fresh beginnings. Vibrant yet soothing – it’s the English countryside captured in a glass.
