Elderflower cocktails

Flatiron Lounge | Juniper Breeze

Cocktail queen Julie Reiner first created this light, refreshing punch after sampling Plymouth Gin for the first time. “I thought it was a soft, feminine-style gin, and that it would go well with the elderflower cordial,” she says. “I had bought the cordial because it sounded interesting, and simply fell in love with the flavor.” Since the cordial boasts a more concentrated, super-saturated floral taste than the liqueur, Reiner balances its robust sweetness with freshly squeezed pink grapefruit and lime juices for an acidic citrus tang, plus a splash of cranberry juice to lend dryness. Served cold over blocks of ice in a double rocks glass and garnished with an orange twist, the popular light pink punch has been a staple since its debut on the opening menu in 2003—long before “elderflower” became part of the nightlife vernacular. (Price: $13)

Verdict: 3 stars
This mellow, modified punch packs plenty of citrus fruits (read: your daily dose of Vitamin C), from the orange notes in the nose to the lime lingering throughout, but if it weren’t for the grapefruit’s bittersweet walk-off, it would verge on boring.

Flatiron Lounge (37 West 19th St., 212-727-7741)