The Gin Flourish cocktail features complex flavors of gin, black currant, and citrus, blended together to form a flavor that’s slightly sweet but distinctly citrus.

I came up with this drink because I was trying to find a way to enjoy creme de cassis, which is heavy and very sweet on its own. In this drink, the citrus cuts through the sweetness of that liqueur, providing the balance it needs. And the bubbles from the soda lighten it up and make it refreshing.

Tasting Profile

As you sip the Gin Flourish, you get an initial burst of juniper-forward gin which is quickly tempered by the rich, jammy taste of black currant. Then comes the zesty citrus from the orange liqueur. And finally, the club soda adds a lively and bubbly mouthfeel to the overall experience.

Key Ingredients

Gin

A high-quality gin provides a bold and aromatic base for the rest of the drink’s flavors. For this gin cocktail, opt for a London Dry style like Tanqueray or a more contemporary, botanically-driven gin like Hendrick’s.

Crème de Cassis

This sweet black currant liqueur adds depth and richness to the cocktail, enhancing its flavor profile with fruity notes that are both vibrant and luxurious. You don’t need to splurge on this.

Patron Citronge Orange

I love this orange liqueur, but you can swap it for a different one if you prefer such as Cointreau or orange curacao. The orange liqueur introduces an additional layer of sweetness and citrus brightness to the cocktail.

Club Soda

This final ingredient adds effervescence to the drink. The bubbles lighten up the rich flavors of the cocktail while providing a refreshing finish.

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail works with lots of occasions and presentations.

Glassware Choices

This drink looks gorgeous in a stemmed coupe glass or a goblet. Both options showcase the cocktail’s vibrant colors while allowing for easy sipping.

But if you’re hosting a casual get-together, you can even serve it in a mason jar.

Occasions

This cocktail fits equally well with a cocktail party, a brunch, a holiday party or a date night. It’s tasty and easy to enjoy, so there’s really no end to occasions it can enhance.

Garnishes

A simple lemon slice looks beautiful on this cocktail and gives the drinker a hint about the citrus flavors within. Fresh blackcurrants or berries could also be beautiful.

Food Pairings

The first time I came up with this drink, a friend and I paired it with a Blue Stilton and Toscana cheese platter, both of which are extremely flavorful, and it was perfect. A charcuterie board filled with cured meats, olives, and pickles would also complement the cocktail nicely.

For entrees, try light seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or citrus-infused ceviche. Or a spicy dish like Thai curry or spicy tacos.