Love Potion Gin & Tonic: A Floral Twist on the Classic Gin & Tonic

If you’re drawn to floral notes and want a gin and tonic that actually feels intentional, this is the one. The Love Potion Gin & Tonic takes a familiar pour and gives it a lighter, more refined edge. A few dashes of El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters bring soft rose, hibiscus, and warm spice to the glass without overpowering the gin.

The build stays simple, but the flavor is anything but. Elderflower tonic adds gentle sweetness, gin provides its signature botanicals, and the bitters tie everything together into a clean, balanced finish that feels elevated without trying too hard.

Enhancing Botanicals in a Floral Gin & Tonic

El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters are the heart of this drink. They add floral depth that highlights the botanicals in the gin and brings out the gentle sweetness of the elderflower tonic. Rose and hibiscus lift the aroma, while subtle spice rounds out the finish, turning a simple gin and tonic into something layered and polished.

For an even more overtly floral version, the choice of gin matters. A gin that leans into floral botanicals will amplify everything happening in the glass. A widely available option like Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice brings soft floral character that plays beautifully with the bitters, while a small-batch choice like Park Distillery's Flora & Fauna Gin brings eight additional botanicals into the mix for a more aromatic expression. The result is a gin and tonic that stays true to the classic structure while feeling thoughtful, balanced, and intentionally floral from first sip to last.

Love Potion Gin & Tonic

🍹 x Christa Cotton
📸:  Weston Table
This recipe makes approximately one serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Gin
• 1⁄3 oz Elderflower tonic water
• 3 dashes El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters
• 1 large ice cube
• Floral garnish such as a rose petal or lavender sprig

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Chill the glass in the freezer for twenty minutes.
   
2. Place one large ice cube in the frozen glass.
   
3. Allow ice to temper in glass for a minute to avoid cracking while making the drink.
4. Pour the gin over the ice.
   
5. Add dashes of bitters.
   
6. Top with elderflower tonic.
   
7. Stir gently.
   
8. Garnish with a floral touch.

Tips & Variations

• Make it a floral vodka tonic: If gin isn’t your preference, this recipe works beautifully with vodka. A clean, neutral vodka lets the elderflower tonic and Love Potion Bitters lead, creating a softer, more floral drink with less botanical intensity.
• Adjust the aromatics: Love Potion Bitters are powerful. Start light and add more to taste depending on how floral you want the finished drink to be. A single extra dash can noticeably change the aroma.
• Keep everything cold: This drink shines when it’s properly chilled. Use fresh ice and pre-chill your glassware to keep the flavors crisp and balanced from first sip to last.
• Choose your tonic carefully: Elderflower tonics vary widely in sweetness. Taste before building and adjust proportions as needed so the drink stays refreshing, not sugary.
• Garnish simply: A citrus peel or a small edible flower adds aroma without distracting from the drink itself. Keep garnishes minimal so the florals in the glass can do the talking.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this a floral gin and tonic?

This gin and tonic leans floral thanks to the combination of elderflower tonic and El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters. The bitters add rose and hibiscus notes that lift the aroma and enhance the botanicals already present in the gin.

What are Love Potion Bitters used for?

El Guapo™ Love Potion Bitters are floral aromatic bitters designed to add depth and balance to cocktails. They work especially well in gin-based drinks, sparkling cocktails, and any recipe where you want a soft floral finish without sweetness.

What type of gin works best in this recipe?

A classic London Dry gin works well, as does a modern gin with botanical or floral elements. If you want a more aromatic result, choose a gin that highlights floral botanicals rather than heavy citrus or spice.

Can I make this gin and tonic for a group?

This cocktail is best built one glass at a time so it stays properly chilled and balanced. If serving multiple guests, pre-chill your glassware and ingredients to make assembly quick and consistent.

For more FAQ, visit our main FAQ page!