Paul Kushner
The White Lotus is smooth, floral, and elegantly balanced with a refreshing finish. It combines vodka or gin with a splash of elderflower liqueur for a soft, floral sweetness, fresh lemon juice for brightness, and a touch of simple syrup to round out the flavors. Shake it well with ice and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with an edible flower or a lemon twist for a clean, graceful presentation.This cocktail is perfect for spring evenings, special occasions, or whenever you’re in the mood for something light, refreshing, and beautifully simple.
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Tasting Notes
The White Lotus cocktail is a fragrant, citrusy elixir with a silky-soft texture and a touch of floral elegance. Peach orange blossom vodka forms the aromatic foundation, while lemon juice and mandarin syrup deliver a bright, tangy-sweet balance. Orgeat adds creamy almond depth, and a splash of grapefruit soda brings effervescence and a soft, bittersweet lift. Finished with a floating white lotus flower, this drink is serene, refreshing, and visually stunning—like a garden in bloom.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker to blend and chill the ingredients, a jigger for precise measuring, and a fine strainer for a smooth pour. Serve in a chilled coupe glass to enhance the delicate aroma and float the garnish. Tweezers or a garnish pick will help with placing the lotus flower gently on top.
Ingredients
- 1 oz peach orange blossom vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz mandarin syrup
- 1 oz orgeat
- 2 oz grapefruit soda (to top)
- White lotus flower (for garnish, or edible flower alternative)
Instructions
- Shake: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, lemon juice, mandarin syrup, and orgeat. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Top: Gently top with grapefruit soda.
- Garnish: Float a white lotus flower (or edible flower) on top for a delicate, eye-catching finish.
Pro Tips
- Always use food-safe flowers—white orchid, chamomile, or daisy petals make beautiful stand-ins
- Use a chilled glass to keep the soda bubbly and the cocktail balanced.
- If you can’t find peach orange blossom vodka, infuse peach vodka with a few drops of orange blossom water.
- For a softer finish, substitute grapefruit soda with sparkling mandarin or elderflower tonic.
When to Serve
The White Lotus cocktail is perfect for spring weddings, garden parties, spa-themed brunches, or any gathering that calls for elegance and tranquility. Its delicate floral notes and sophisticated presentation also make it a stunning signature drink for wellness events or tropical evenings, offering a serene yet celebratory sip that’s sure to impress guests and set a refined tone. Whether served at an outdoor soirée or an intimate celebration, it’s a graceful addition to any occasion.
Recommended Brands to Use
- Grapefruit soda: Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, or San Pellegrino Pompelmo
- Vodka: Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom or Grey Goose Essences Peach
- Mandarin syrup: Liber & Co., Monin, or homemade
- Orgeat: Small Hand Foods, Liber & Co., or Giffard
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