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Botanical Happy Hour

FRESH, FLORAL GIN DRINKS

two glasses of elder flower gin and tonics

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Warmer temps call for cool, crisp cocktails, enjoyed on the porch while watching the sunset. These two options from Casa de Suna are gin-based and make use of seasonal produce from your garden or farmer’s market. Beautiful, fragrant, and perfect for summer, try them out at your next happy hour or cocktail party.

different bottles of alcohol and cut up lemons on a table
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Elderflower Gin & Tonic

Servings: 1 drink
The key ingredient in our refreshing, modern twist on the classic gin & tonic is elderflower, which brings a light, floral sweetness to the tart and biting flavor of the gin. Serving a gin & tonic with lemon, instead of lime, is our favorite trick for truly bringing out the gin’s botanicals. We’ve also garnished with mint — ideally fresh from your garden — to tie together the summertime flavors. Santé!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz. gin such as Beefeater
  • 1 oz. elderflower liqueur preferably St-Germain
  • 2 mint leaves torn, plus extra to garnish
  • 1 small lemon wedge
  • 4 oz. elderflower tonic water
  • Edible flowers to garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Pour gin and liqueur into a lowball glass filled with ice. Tear over mint leaves, then squeeze over lemon wedge before adding to the glass.
  • Add tonic water, stirring lightly to combine. Garnish with flowers and additional mint, if desired.
basil and cucumbers on a table and mixed in a bowl
a glass of a basil cucumber smash cocktail

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Cucumber Basil Smash

Servings: 2 Drinks
This gin smash is a summer cooldown in cocktail form. Fresh basil balances out the hydrating cucumber, and if you’re looking for a little extra kick, green chiles add a wonderful hit of spice. If you’re using elderflower liqueur instead of Lillet, start with 3 Tbsp. sugar instead of ¼ cup, and increase accordingly to suit your sweet tooth.

Ingredients
  

  • 4 mini cucumbers
  • 2 large basil sprigs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 4 oz. botanical gin such as Hendrick’s
  • 2 oz. Lillet or elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
  • Ice cubes
  • Sparkling water
  • Basil sprigs for garnish
  • Green chilis optional

Instructions
 

  • Halve one cucumber lengthwise. Peel long ribbons of cucumber from the cut-side. Set aside on a plate and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chop remaining cucumbers.
  • Add chopped cucumber, basil sprigs, and sugar to a medium bowl. Crush with a cocktail muddler or pestle until coarsely mashed and sugar dissolves.
  • Stir in lime juice, gin, and Lillet. Use right away or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  • Strain cucumber mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a liquid measuring cup.
  • Arrange cucumber slices around the insides of two large glasses. Fill glasses halfway with ice, then add cucumber mixture. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with more basil sprigs and green chilis, if using.

Notes

Tip: Strained Cucumber Basil Smash will keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Casa de Suna is a lifestyle brand centered on family, good living, and great food. Visit casadesuna.com and follow @casa.de.suna on social media.

Recipe Curation, Food Styling, and Photography: Casa de Suna
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Casa de Suna

Lifestyle Brand

Mother-daughter lifestyle brand Casa de Suna is dedicated to inspiring the spaces and practices for sparking lifelong memories.

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