The White Lotus – Elderflower Lychee Gin and Tonic

Are you ready for a floral, tropical twist on the classic G&T?

There’s something about lychee that instantly elevates any drink—it’s exotic, lightly sweet, and just the right amount of unexpected. Paired with elderflower tonic (or even a little elderflower liquor and soda water) and bright lime, this gin and tonic variation feels like it belongs poolside at a luxury resort—or better yet, served at a candlelit rooftop bar in Thailand.

This cocktail is named “The White Lotus” for a reason. It’s beautiful, floral, and a little mysterious. If you’re a fan of The White Lotus series or just love elderflower and lychee (hello, St-Germain fans), this one’s for you.

The White Lotus Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 oz gin (Roku Gin is always a solid choice)
• 4 lychees (fresh or canned in syrup)
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 8 oz elderflower tonic (like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers)
• Optional: top with soda water to taste (to mellow the sweetness)

Instructions

1. If using fresh lychees, peel and pit them. If canned, drain (you can save the syrup for another cocktail or use it in place of simple syrup for an extra lychee kick).
2. Puree the lychees in a blender or small food processor, or mash them in a cocktail shaker using a spoon or muddler.
3. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass (or serve over ice in a tall glass).
5. Top with elderflower tonic. For a lighter version, add a splash of soda water to balance the floral sweetness.
6. Garnish with a lychee, edible flower, or twist of lime.

What’s it taste like?

Tropical, floral, slightly tangy with a refreshing fizz. It’s sweet enough to feel indulgent but balanced by the lime and botanicals in the gin.

White Lotus Mocktail – Lychee Elderflower Fizz

This alcohol-free version still delivers the exotic, luxurious vibe—minus the gin.

Ingredients

• 4 lychees
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 4 oz elderflower tonic (or you can use about an ounce of elderflower syrup and soda water)
• 4 oz soda water

Instructions

1. Puree or mash the lychees.
2. Add to a shaker with lime juice and simple syrup. Shake or stir well.
3. Pour into a glass over ice.
4. Top with elderflower tonic and soda water.
5. Garnish with a lychee or mint sprig.

Still floral and fruity, but lighter—perfect for garden brunches, baby showers, or anyone skipping the booze but not the flavor. Honestly, this is almost better than the gin version. My kids LOVE it so much I have to keep cans of lychees in our house at all times in California.

What goes with it?

Delicate appetizers like cucumber tea sandwiches, shrimp summer rolls, or spicy Thai cashews.

Pro Tip

Keep canned lychees in your pantry for cocktail emergencies. They’re shelf-stable, juicy, and surprisingly versatile. However, lychees can be hard to find if you don’t live near an asian market. When in doubt, grab a few cans of lychee HERE so you are never without.

Looking for more floral-forward cocktails? Try our Pear Lychee Martini or the bubbly Cherry Blossom Spritz next.