Chrysanthemum Gin Blossom (with Mocktail Variant)
A floral, elegant cocktail of chrysanthemum-infused gin with honey and lemon—plus an easy alcohol-free mocktail version for everyone at the table.
Chrysanthemum's delicate floral sweetness makes it a beautiful partner for gin, whose botanicals echo the flower's gentle aromatics. Infusing gin with dried chrysanthemum creates a softly perfumed, pale-gold spirit that feels light and sophisticated.
A honey syrup and fresh lemon juice balance the floral spirit, adding just enough sweetness and brightness to make the drink sing without masking the chrysanthemum. The result is a refreshing, elegant cocktail that is lovely served up or over ice.
The infusion time matters: around 2 hours gives the gin a clear floral character. Steep much longer and the flowers can lend a faint bitterness, so taste as you go and strain once the aroma is fragrant and the color is gently golden.
For a non-alcoholic mocktail, skip the gin entirely. Brew a strong chrysanthemum and goji infusion, chill it well, then shake with honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of soda water or tonic. Serve over ice with a few goji berries—you get the same floral elegance and refreshing finish without any alcohol, perfect for anyone who wants the ritual without the buzz. One note: chrysanthemum is in the daisy family (Asteraceae), so check for ragweed or daisy allergies before serving.
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin
- 2 tbsp dried chrysanthemum flowers (for infusing the gin)
- 20 ml honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- Soda water, to top (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Dried goji berries and a chrysanthemum bloom to garnish
How to make it
- 1Infuse the gin: add the dried chrysanthemum flowers to the gin in a sealed jar and steep for about 2 hours, tasting until softly floral. Strain out the flowers.
- 2Add the chrysanthemum-infused gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- 3Shake well for 12–15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- 4Strain into a chilled coupe, or pour over fresh ice in a rocks glass and top with a splash of soda water.
- 5Garnish with a few goji berries and a single chrysanthemum bloom. For the mocktail, replace the gin with chilled strong chrysanthemum-goji tea and proceed from step 2.
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