This cocktail’s got just the right mix of bright citrus and floral notes, with a crisp finish that makes it a favorite for warm evenings or whenever you’re in the mood for something a little different. The Grey Ghost is a classic gin-based drink that’s light, refreshing, and just mysterious enough to spark conversation. I’ve made this drink countless times—here’s a tip I learned while perfecting this recipe: don’t skip the lemon twist at the end. It really brings the whole thing together.
Grey Ghost
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Coupe or martini glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) elderflower liqueur
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup
– Soda water, to top
– Lemon peel, for garnish
Substitutions:
– Use vodka instead of gin for a smoother, more neutral flavor
– Swap simple syrup with honey syrup (1:1 honey and water) for a deeper sweetness
– Try tonic instead of soda water for a slightly bitter edge
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well—about 15 seconds—until the shaker feels nice and cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Top with soda water to add a little fizz.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel. Give it a quick twist over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in.
Tip: Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time—just store it in the fridge in a sealed jar or bottle. When you’re ready to serve, shake it with ice, strain, and top with soda water.
Storage
The pre-mixed base (without soda water) will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good shake before using. Once soda water is added, enjoy immediately—otherwise, it’ll lose its sparkle.
Serving Suggestions
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch. It pairs beautifully with:
– Fresh oysters or grilled shrimp
– Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes—the citrus and bubbles cut through the heat
– Light desserts like lemon tart or fresh berries with whipped cream
Helpful Tips
– Use a quality gin—botanical gins work especially well here
– Don’t skip chilling the glass; a cold glass keeps the drink crisp longer
– A coupe glass is best, but a martini glass works too
– If you’re making it for a party, batch the base and just add soda water when serving
– If you like your drinks a little less sweet, reduce the simple syrup to 0.15 oz (4 ml)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Using bottled lemon juice—it dulls the flavor
– Skipping the shake step—shaking chills and blends the ingredients properly
– Overdoing the soda water—just a splash is enough to lift the drink without watering it down
Variations to Try
Silver Phantom
– Swap gin for silver tequila
– Add a splash of grapefruit juice
– Garnish with a grapefruit twist
Midnight Specter
– Add 0.25 oz (7 ml) blackberry liqueur
– Use tonic water instead of soda water
– Garnish with fresh blackberries
Harvest Apparition
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) apple cider
– Garnish with a cinnamon stick
– Perfect for fall gatherings
Non-Alcoholic Version (Virgin Grey Ghost)
– 1 oz (30 ml) elderflower cordial
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
– Top with tonic or soda water
– Garnish with a sprig of mint or lemon twist
FAQs
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Use elderflower cordial and skip the gin. It’s still super refreshing.
Is it good for all seasons?
Definitely. In the summer, it’s bright and cooling. In cooler months, swap in seasonal flavors like apple cider or spiced honey.
Can I make it healthier?
Reduce the simple syrup or swap it for honey or agave. You can also skip the sweetener altogether if you like it tart.
What’s the best garnish?
A lemon twist—it adds a burst of aroma with every sip. Mint also works if you’re going the non-alcoholic route.
Can I batch this for a group?
Absolutely. Multiply the base ingredients by the number of servings and mix ahead of time. Just shake with ice and top with soda water right before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Grey Ghost may have a mysterious name, but it’s a straightforward drink that’s easy to love. Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned home bartender, this one’s a keeper. Try it as written, then have fun playing around with your own twists. Serve it up with something light and fresh, and you’ve got yourself a perfect evening.
