When Rick Freeman, the creator of the Lovely Drinks Elderflower and Rose Presse in our February 2020 Gin of the Month box, needed a name for his new range of soft drinks, he turned to his friends. “These are lovely!” they said when they tasted the presses, and the adjective stuck. ‘Lovely Drinks’ was born!

A Lovely Cocktail for Friends

Lovely Drinks Elderflower and Rose Presse

Toast the loveliest person in your life with this yummy gin cocktail, crafted by Maria, our mixologist here at Craft Gin Club, using Lovely Drinks Elderflower and Rose Presse.

Maria says, “I was inspired to make this cocktail by the Spice Girls and their lyric ‘friendship never ends’, because my friends are some of the loveliest people in my life!

“This spicy drink uses ginger (my favourite Spice Girl!) and white wine (the perfect companion for a chat with your best friend), while the Lovely Drinks Elderflower & Rose Presse makes this drink delicious and gently refreshing.

“The alcohol content of this drink isn’t too high, so you and your best friend can enjoy more than one over a good chinwag!”

This light, sparkling cocktail is a delicious drink for spring

Friends Forever Elderflower & Rose Cocktail

Ingredients:
Makes one

25ml gin
50ml white wine (preferably Sauvignon Blanc)
10ml ginger and cardamom syrup* (optional)
10ml lime juice
Lovely Drinks Elderflower & Rose Presse, to top up
Lime wheel, to garnish

Method:

Begin by making the syrup, if using: simmer ginger in 100ml of water for about five minutes, then add a few cardamom pods and simmer for five more minutes. Strain, return the flavoured water to the pan and add 100g sugar. Simmer until thickened into a syrup. Strain into a clean jar or bottle and leave to cool before using. You can store any leftover syrup in the fridge for a week or two. (It’s also delicious over hot sponge and ice cream!)

To create your cocktail, simply add ice to your wine glass, add your ingredients and stir to combine. Garnish with a slice of lime and serve.