Go Back

Azalea Cocktail

The Azalea cocktail delivers magic in a glass with delicate floral flavors, bright citrus, and a smooth spirit base. This stunning drink balances elderflower liqueur, gin, and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing cocktail that tastes like springtime in liquid form.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Contemporary Cocktail
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 ounces gin preferably a floral-forward variety
  • 0.5 ounces elderflower liqueur St-Germain is ideal
  • 0.5 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 ounces simple syrup
  • 1 dash of rose bitters
  • Ice for chilling
  • Fresh lemon wheel or twist for garnish
  • Edible flower petals for garnish optional but highly recommended

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Jigger for precise measurement
  • Strainer
  • Coupe glass or martini glass
  • Citrus squeezer or hand juicer
  • Bar towel or small cloth

Method
 

  1. Fill a coupe or martini glass with ice and let it sit while you prepare the drink. A cold glass keeps your cocktail properly chilled for longer and ensures each sip stays crisp.
  2. Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze out 0.5 ounces of juice into a small container.
  3. Pour 1.5 ounces of gin into your cocktail shaker.
  4. Measure out 0.5 ounces of elderflower liqueur and add it to the shaker with the gin.
  5. Pour your fresh lemon juice and 0.25 ounces of simple syrup into the shaker.
  6. Add one dash of rose bitters to the mixture.
  7. Fill your shaker halfway with fresh ice and seal it tightly. Shake vigorously for about ten seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and cold.
  8. Remove the ice from your chilled glass and use a strainer to pour the cocktail into the glass.
  9. Twist a lemon wheel over the drink to release the oils, then add it as garnish. If you have edible flower petals on hand, scatter a few on top for visual appeal and an extra floral note.

Notes

Always use fresh ice that hasn't absorbed freezer odors, and chill your glass before pouring to maintain the perfect drinking temperature from first sip to last. Fresh lemon juice is essential - never substitute bottled juice. Measure everything precisely using a jigger for balanced flavors.