Save Last summer, I found myself at a farmers market with absolutely no plan, drawn to a vendor selling gorgeous bottles of black currant syrup in jewel-tone glass. I'd never made a cocktail from scratch before, just ordered them at bars, but something about that deep purple liquid made me curious. By evening, I was standing in my small kitchen with gin, limes, and edible flowers I'd impulse-bought, shaking up something that tasted like summer in a glass.
The first time I made this for friends, I was so nervous about the presentation that I forgot to chill the glasses beforehand. But that mistake taught me something: the condensation that formed on the glass, combined with those delicate edible flowers, actually made it look even more intentional and beautiful. Now I do it that way on purpose.
Ingredients
- Premium gin: This is where quality really matters, since gin carries the whole drink on its back. Look for something with botanical notes you actually enjoy, not just the cheapest option.
- Black currant syrup: The heart of this cocktail, giving it that jewel-toned color and subtle tartness. If you can find a small-batch version from a local producer, grab it.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: Never use bottled here, I learned that the hard way. Fresh lime juice brings brightness that bottled versions just can't match.
- Chilled soda water: Optional but honestly beautiful for cutting through the richness and making the drink feel lighter and more refreshing.
- Lime wheel: Beyond just pretty, it actually imparts a subtle extra hit of lime as you sip.
- Edible flowers: Violets or pansies feel like the obvious choice, but nasturtiums or even lavender buds create a completely different vibe.
- Ice cubes: Make them ahead if you can, because good ice is the difference between a silky-smooth drink and a watered-down mess.
Instructions
- Chill your glass first:
- Pop your cocktail glass in the freezer while you gather everything else. Those few minutes make an enormous difference in keeping your drink properly cold.
- Build your shaker:
- Fill your shaker generously with ice, then add the gin, black currant syrup, and lime juice. The proportions matter, so use a jigger if you have one.
- Shake like you mean it:
- Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker gets frosty and cold. You'll hear the ice rattling, and that's exactly what you want.
- Strain into your glass:
- Pour everything through a fine strainer into your chilled glass, letting any small ice chips fall away. This keeps the drink from becoming diluted.
- Top and stir gently:
- Add soda water if you're using it, then give everything a gentle stir to combine. Don't over-stir or you'll break down the bubbles.
- Garnish with intention:
- Float a lime wheel on top and rest those delicate edible flowers against the rim or on the surface. Take a second to step back and admire it.
Save There was an evening when I made these for my neighbor who'd just moved in, and she was so delighted by them that she ended up staying for hours, telling stories on my porch. That's when I realized this cocktail does something beyond taste good—it creates a moment worth remembering.
Playing with Sweetness and Tartness
Once you've made this drink once, you'll start noticing how your mood or the season changes what you want from it. Some nights I want it more tart and crisp, so I squeeze extra lime. Other times, especially when serving alongside dessert, I bump the syrup up to 30 ml and it becomes almost dessert-like.
The Deep Flavor Swap
After a few rounds of making this, I got curious about replacing the black currant syrup with crème de cassis, which is a black currant liqueur. It adds a deeper, more sophisticated flavor with an almost wine-like quality, though it does make the drink richer and slightly stronger. The beauty of a simple recipe like this is that you can explore variations once you've nailed the original.
Pairing and Serving Moments
This cocktail wants to be sipped slowly, ideally alongside something light and fresh. I've had the best results serving it with fruit-forward appetizers, crispy cheese straws, or even just a few grapes on the side. The drink itself is bold enough to stand alone, but those little accents make the whole experience feel more intentional and complete.
- Make a batch of these for a summer gathering and watch how quickly they disappear.
- The edible flowers aren't just decoration, they actually hint at the floral notes in good gin.
- Serve these in whatever glass feels right to you, whether that's a coupe, a rocks glass, or even a simple tumbler.
Save This cocktail taught me that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable moments. Make it for someone you want to impress, or better yet, make it just for yourself and take a quiet moment to appreciate how beautiful something can taste.
Recipe Guide
- → What is the best way to sweeten the drink?
Adjust the amount of black currant syrup—adding more will increase sweetness, while less keeps it tangier.
- → Can soda water be omitted?
Yes, omitting soda water results in a stronger, more concentrated flavor experience.
- → What garnishes work well with this drink?
Lime wheels and edible flowers like violets or pansies add a fresh, elegant touch.
- → Is it possible to substitute the black currant syrup?
Crème de cassis can be used for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- → What serving glass is recommended?
A chilled cocktail or rocks glass works well to enhance the presentation and experience.