Sunflower

The Sunflower is a modern classic from Sam Ross — a floral reimagining of the Corpse Reviver No. 2. Equal parts gin, elderflower, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, it’s finished with a rinse of absinthe to add depth and dimension.

It’s one of the most accessible and crowd-pleasing cocktails in the equal parts family. Balanced, light, and floral without being overly sweet — this is the perfect bridge between classic and contemporary. Garnish with an edible flower or lemon twist for a vibrant finish.

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Sunflower

Need a bright ray of sunshine to start your week? This equal parts cocktail is a modern riff on the Corpse Reviver No. 2, adapted by Sam Ross in 2008 while at Milk & Honey NYC. With a citrusy punch and floral depth, the Sunflower balances bold gin, zesty lemon, elderflower liqueur, and kumquat sweetness — all tied together by an absinthe rinse. It’s light, fragrant, and just complex enough to feel sophisticated without trying too hard.

Ingredients

• 0.75 oz Bosun’s Navy Strength Gin (Holystone Distilling)
• 0.75 oz FAIR Kumquat Liqueur* (Originally Cointreau)
• 0.75 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Absinthe rinse

Instructions

• Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe and discard excess.
• Add all remaining ingredients to a shaker with ice.
• Shake until well chilled.
• Fine strain into the prepared coupe glass.
• Garnish with a lemon peel.

Notes

Created by Sam Ross in 2008 at Milk & Honey, NYC.
A floral and citrus-forward equal parts cocktail that bridges the gap between the Corpse Reviver family and something uniquely modern.
Kumquat liqueur adds a fun twist on the classic Cointreau base.

For another botanical-forward drink, try the Last Word or explore more in the Equal Parts guide.