Sunflower

The Sunflower gives an old cocktail family a fresh floral accent. Created by Sam Ross at New York’s Milk & Honey in 2008, it reworks the Corpse Reviver No. 2, replacing its aromatized wine with elderflower liqueur while retaining gin, orange liqueur, lemon, and a trace of absinthe. That single substitution shifts the drink toward a softer, more fragrant expression of the classic’s citrus-and-botanical character. It’s a lovely example of the cocktail revival’s creative spirit: a familiar formula becomes the starting point for something with a distinctly modern personality.

What makes the Sunflower so appealing is the precision beneath its generous perfume. Equal measures of gin, Cointreau, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice bring together juniper, bright orange, delicate flowers, and tart citrus. An absinthe rinse adds a fleeting anise note that gives the sweetness an intriguing herbal edge, while a lemon twist sharpens the aroma. Shaken cold and served in a coupe, it feels elegant and welcoming, with enough complexity to reward attention—a particularly good choice for anyone who likes floral cocktails with a crisp, lively finish.