The Eternal Sunshine (Saba’s Famous Gin Cocktail)

By Kirsten Maxwell June 7, 2023 28 mins read 102 Views

Watch out Gin & Tonic! A new gin recipe is in town. This pretty cocktail combines St-Germain with elderflower liqueur and a hint of orange blossom water to create a delicious twist on the classic G&T.

Photo credits: Elana L.

My husband Saba makes me a gin-based cocktail when I finish a long writing day. Saba, you may not be aware of this fact, is a little bit of a mixologist. When he walks up the stairs, a glass of ice cold water in his hand and the condensation on the glass dripping, I know it's time to relax and turn off my computer. It works nine times out of 10!

Let's say that I made it through the first draft of my cookbook thanks to Saba’s (now famous gin cocktail) recipe. I enjoy my cocktails the same way I like to eat: bold, flavorful and with just enough mystery. Saba did a great job with this cocktail. This gin celebrates the botanical qualities of gin with delicate elderflower and orange flower notes, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

This gin-based cocktail is popular in the summer but it can be enjoyed all year round. This easy cocktail is perfect for winding down after a hard day in the rain or eternal sunshine.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Eternal Sunshine Gin Cocktail
How to Make Eternal Sunshine Gin?
What is the Best Gin?
How to mix it up
What to serve with Gin Cocktails
There are many reasons to retire for the night.
Eternal Sunshine Gin Recipe Recipe

Ingredients in the Eternal Sunshine Gin cocktail

This gin cocktail includes ingredients that you might not already have, but they are worth having on hand. Orange blossom water will transform a classic G&T cocktail into something new and exciting.

Gin: Choose a botanical gin like Japanese Roku. (See below for more information on selecting gin). You're looking for something floral rather than herbal.
St-Germain : A sweet and slightly bitter liqueur made with elderflowers. It is silky and floral, adding complexity and sweetness without overwhelming the drink.
Elderflower Tonic: Flavored with elderflower, elderflower tonic brings effervescence and florality to gin cocktails. You can find it in many liquor stores, specialty grocery stores and online retailers. Look for brands like Fever Tree or Fentimans that are made with natural ingredients. Avoid artificial flavors or sweeteners. For a less sweet drink, try substituting conventional tonic with a natural sugar-free alternative.
Orange Blossom Water:A fragrant and floral scent, with a slightly sweet taste that reminds you of fresh oranges. A little bit adds a floral note with a Mediterranean flavor (it is used in many traditional regional recipes like baklava). Our shop has our favorite, all-natural Lebanese Orange Blossom Water. You can also check out your local Middle Eastern supermarket. Avoid any brands with artificial flavors and additives. Look for those that are made from natural ingredients. This bottle will last a very long time in your pantry because a little goes a very long way.
Citrus Fresh Lime Juice balances the floral and sweet flavors to make the drink refreshing. Orange , Lime slices can be added as an optional garnish to add color and enhance the flavors.

How To Make The Eternal Sunshine Gin cocktail

Everything you need is in the bottle for this gin drink. The hardest part of this cocktail is actually slicing the citrus.

Pour ice into a G&T or highball glass. Add 1 1/2 ounces gin, 3/4 ounces St-Germain tonic, 3 ounces elderflower water, 1/4 ounce orange blossom water and 1/4 ounce lime juice. Mix gently.
Garnish the glass and serve it: To garnish, slide 1 thinly-sliced orange wheel and one thinly-sliced lime wheel along the side of each glass. Cheers!

What is the Best Gin?

For this recipe, choose a botanical gin. You don't have to add any sugar or simple syrup because it has a natural sweetness. While juniper-infused gin is great for a classic G&T or to sip, I would not use it for this recipe. The elderflower and orange flower water don't go well with the piney flavor.

Saba, my resident Gin expert, will be able to give you some brand suggestions.

"I prefer botanically-infused gins over juniper for this recipe because I want to introduce floral flavors and citrus peels in the drink. I use Roku Gin a Japanese Gin with 6 botanicals that combines infused flowers, teas and citrus peel. Four peel by Watershed is another great gin that you can use in this recipe. It is distilled using four citrus peels, so it blends perfectly with orange blossom water and elderflower liquor."

Thank you for the recommendations, Saba.

Mix It Up

You can customize this refreshing gin drink to suit your tastes. You can customize this gin-based cocktail in a number of ways.

Reduce the ABV. You may want to keep it a little less boozy if you are looking for something to drink in the backyard at 3pm. Skip the St-Germain for a mellower approach. For a cocktail with a low ABV, you can use St-Germain instead of gin.
Reduce the floral flavor. Use standard tonic instead of elderflower tonic if you are sensitive to floral flavors.
Add more herbs. Add rosemary, mint, or basil for a savory, herbal note.
To taste, play with the sweet, tart and bitter flavors. Pour a more bitter taste, add a splash grapefruit juice. Add more citrus juice to increase the acidity. You can also sweeten it with simple syrup.

What to serve with Gin Cocktails

This light, refreshing gin drink is perfect with seafood. On a hot summer day, cool down with Shrimp ceviche and Eternal Sunshines. Together, the citrusy notes in the gin go well with ceviche. Serve with finger foods such as Easy Blistered Tomato Bruschetta.

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Eternal Sunshine Gin cocktail recipe

St. This floral gin cocktail is made with Germain, elderflower, and orange blossom water.

Drinks Course

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Total Time: 5 Minutes

servings cocktail

Calories 177.3 Kcal

Author Suzy Kardsheh

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces botanical gin (I use Roku gin)
3/4 ounce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
3 ounces elderflower tonic
1/4 ounce orange blossom water
1/4 ounce lime juice
For garnish Orange & lime wheels

Instructions

Pour ice into a highball glass or gin-and-tonic glass. Add the gin and St-Germain. Also, add elderflower tonic water, orange blossom, lime juice, and St-Germain. Stir.
Serve and garnish: Slide 1 thinly-sliced orange wheel, and 1 thinly-sliced lime wheel along the side of the glasses. Cheers!

Notes

Try making this cocktail using standard tonic water if you are sensitive to floral flavors.
To keep the bubbles in the tonic, gently stir.
Browse our shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 8.8g

The Mediterranean Dish first published The Eternal Sunshine, Saba's Famous Gin Cocktail.

By: Suzy Karadsheh
Title: The Eternal Sunshine (Saba’s Famous Gin Cocktail)
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/gin-cocktail/
Published Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:51:15 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast?

A Mediterranean breakfast would include a combination protein, healthy oil, and carbohydrates. The options include eggs in olive oil and roasted vegetables with a side salad, Greek yogurt with cheese, whole-grain Toast, or Quinoa porridge topped off with fresh fruits. Avocado toast with tomatoes is a delicious option for breakfast. High-quality protein sources such as grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish and organic eggs are a great way to start your day. Choose nutritious carbohydrates such as whole grains like quinoa and oats; limit sugar by opting for fresh fruits instead of sweetened yogurts or cereals; add healthy fats to your meal such as avocado, extra virgin olive oil, olives, and coconut oil; and supplement your breakfast with some green tea for added antioxidants.

Is Banana allowed in Mediterranean Diet?

Yes, bananas may be eaten on the Mediterranean Diet. Bananas are a low-calorie and nutritious fruit that can provide dietary fiber, potassium and vitamin B6. It can be used as a side dish or added to meals such as porridge, smoothies and salads. It could also be enjoyed as a snack with nut butter such as almond or peanut for added proteins. If you are following the Mediterranean Diet, it might be beneficial to pair bananas and healthy fats like seeds and nuts to increase digestion and promote satisfaction when eating meals.

Can I use regular oil instead of extra Virgin Olive Oil?

You can choose regular olive oil over extra virgin olive if you follow the Mediterranean diet. Extra Virgin Olive Oil or EVOO is preferred because it has more nutritional benefits and a richer flavor. Regular olive oils, however, are still an option. They have a milder flavor profile. Regular olive oil can be used for daily meals such as stir-frying and roasting vegetables. This oil is cheaper than EVOO. Some even believe it can be used for higher heat applications, such as deep frying. It is important to remember that it doesn't contain as many nutrients or positive compounds than EVOO. Therefore, you should try to compensate for these benefits with other food items.

What are the main ingredients in a Mediterranean diet

Mediterranean food includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as legumes, nuts and healthy fats like olive oil and olives. Fresh ingredients are preferred to pre-packaged processed food. You should use herbs instead of salt when flavoring meals. For the best results of this diet, you should include some physical activity into your daily routine. This diet is more enjoyable when you are able to share mindful eating techniques and food sharing with friends and family.

Is the Mediterranean diet predominantly plant-based

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet has a large portion of its diet being plant-based. Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds are staples of this ancient diet. However, animal proteins such as poultry, fish, and red meat are also present in smaller portions due to their traceable presence around the Mediterranean Sea historically. This protein source can be omitted by those who prefer a vegetarian, vegan, or alternative diet. Other dairy sources, such as tofu and soy yogurt, are great alternative options for added nutrition and protein.

How do you get started with the Mediterranean Diet?

The first step to a Mediterranean diet is to stock your kitchen with fresh food, such as fruits and vegetable. This could mean that you prepare different vegetables and protein every week, which can then be used in recipes the following day. Whole grains like quinoa or oat grattas and millet make great substitutes for refined grain. To add flavor and nutrients to meals, healthy fats like olive and sesame need to be used in the meal preparation. Garlic, oregano basil, garlic, and turmeric all make great additions for meals.

Rice is a part of the Mediterranean diet

On the Mediterranean diet, rice is allowed and encouraged. This diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. It also allows for moderate amounts of dairy products, fish and meat. Whole-grain white rice is a great carbohydrate source, providing energy for the body. It also contains dietary fiber that can aid in digestion and provide essential nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Cooked rice can be added to meals, such as soups and stews. Limiting added fat could be beneficial where possible to stay within the guidelines of the Mediterranean diet when consuming rice-based dishes.

Statistics

One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)
The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)

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What Does the Mediterranean Diet Do to Support Brain Health and Reduce Cognitive Decline?

Mediterranean diet is a diet that consists of eating a variety of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. Red meat and added sugar are not allowed. It has been shown to have many health benefits, including better brain function. The Mediterranean Diet is known to slow down the rate of cognitive decline and reduce the risk for dementia, according to research. It may also boost mood disorders and offer protective benefits against aging-related oxidative damage.

The Mediterranean diet supports brain health and helps to reduce cognitive decline. Consuming large amounts of antioxidant rich plant foods, such as fruits or vegetables, is one of the best ways to support healthy neurological functioning. Monounsaturated fats like olive oil help maintain adequate omega-3 levels, which is essential for healthy brain functioning. Additionally, limiting processed carbs may improve mental clarity. They stabilize blood glucose levels throughout a day and lower inflammation associated with chronic illnesses like stroke or Alzheimer's.

A Mediterranean diet that includes plenty fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, healthy fats like olive oil, red wine occasionally, and moderate dairy intakes like yogurt and cheese can help maintain adequate nutrition over time. It will also help with cognitive decline. A regular exercise routine at a moderate intensity is also a good way to increase your serotonin level, which helps with mental well-being. These tips will increase your chances for good mental health and physical well-being into old age.