English Garden Cocktail

Welcome cocktail connoisseurs, to another instalment of our tantalising cocktail making tales! Today, we'll be meandering through the enchanting world of the English Garden cocktail, a delightful drink that's botanical bliss for home mixologists.

So, don your gardening gloves, grab your shaker and join us as we unearth the secrets of this truly spectacular drink!

What is an English Garden?

The English Garden cocktail is a charming and whimsical creation that finds its roots in the lush landscapes of the British Isles. Born from the marriage of classic English ingredients, this captivating concoction pays homage to the idyllic gardens that grace England's countryside.

Though its exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: the English Garden has blossomed into a lesser known but beloved classic, enchanting palates and parties alike with its combination of delicate floral notes and refreshing apple and citrus flavours.

Sipping on an English Garden is like taking a leisurely stroll through a fragrant English meadow. The botanical essence of gin melds harmoniously with the floral notes of elderflower liqueur, while the zest of lime adds an invigorating touch and a much needed contrast.

 English Garden Recipe

50ml gin

25ml Elderflower liqueur

25ml freshly squeezed lime juice

100ml apple juice

Mint sprig and cucumber slice for garnish

Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and apple juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice, and garnish with a mint sprig and cucumber slice. Voilà, your very own English Garden!

To truly master the art of the English Garden, we recommend using a high-quality gin and elderflower liqueur, as these are the heart and soul of the drink. Additionally, opt for freshly squeezed lime juice and pressed apple juice to ensure the freshest, most vibrant flavours. From concentrate just won’t cut it…

The biggest factor you can change to adapt the cocktail to your liking is the amount of apple juice. Add double for a longer, more refreshing drink. Alternatively, you can go the other way and reduce by 25ml for a much sharper, boozier affair.

What ingredients do we recommend for an English Garden?

Elderflower Liqueur comes in a few brands, each of which has their merit. The two big factors to consider are the overall sweetness and the floral intensity.  St Germain is the best known for a reason – it nails the balance of the two, with just enough ABV to carry through into long mixed drinks.

There’s a temptation to pick a fruity or a floral gin here and go off a “garden” theme. But trust us when we say don’t go there.

Stay classic as you need the contrast, and you need the juniper bite and long spiced finish to provide the depth off which lime and apple shine, and off which elderflower adds the softening touches. Try craft gins like  Monterey or Loveday Golden Hour Gin and you’ll find that their complexity adds a huge amount of depth to the drink.

Bottom line - if a ‘garden’ is the destination, consider the gin as the earth that you plant in, keep it straight forward but rich with potential by opting for great quality.

Now that you've been teased with the tastes of the English Garden cocktail, why not embark on your own horticultural happy hour?

We’ve got everything you’ll need online today to pick up all the essential ingredients...