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Elderflower Cocktails

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These elderflower cocktails celebrate the fresh, floral flavor of St-Germain liqueur and other liqueurs like it. Try elderflower liqueur in everything from a gin & tonic to a champagne cocktail.

champagne pouring into a french 77 cocktail

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Your ultimate guide to elderflower cocktails

Elderflower liqueur is the bottle your home bar has been missing! It brings a fresh, floral flavor to all kinds of drinks, from champagne cocktails to gin & tonics.

Elderflower liqueur has a light, floral flavor with hints of pear, lychee and citrus. It’s sweet but not syrupy, making it easy to pair with a variety of spirits.

I’ve pulled together some of the top elderflower recipes from our site and around the web, as well as some quick things to know about making drinks with elderflower liqueur or syrup.

elderflowers growing on a bush
Flowers on the elder bush. Photo credit: Adobe Stock.

Elderflower liqueur vs. elderflower syrup

Fresh elderflowers grow on the elder bush, which is the very same plant (Sambucus nigra) that produces the berries used in elderberry syrup, another popular cocktail mixer. There are two main ways to infuse the delicate flavor of elderflower into a cocktail:

  1. Elderflower liqueur has lots of versatility and pairs well with a number of spirits and flavors. This sweet, floral liqueur is most commonly mixed with gin, champagne and vodka, but it’s also delicious with bourbon, rum, tequila and apéritifs like Aperol. It even works with white wine and sake. It brings the perfect balance to fruity and botanical flavors like citrus, herbs and ginger.
  2. Elderflower syrup, or elderflower cordial, is a non-alcoholic sweetener infused with the flowers. It can be used lieu of the liqueur to make elderflower mocktails, and you can also use it in cocktails — just be sure to adjust any other sweeteners to account for the syrup. You can even make your own elderflower syrup with fresh or dried elderflowers!

Looking for a substitute? If you don’t have elderflower liqueur, a homemade or store-bought elderflower syrup (non-alcoholic) should do the trick (just be sure to adjust any sweeteners to taste). In a pinch, another floral liqueur like crème de violette or rose liqueur could stand in.

elderflower liqueur alternatives

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FAQ

What is the best elderflower liqueur?

A French liqueur, St-Germain is the most popular brand of elderflower liqueur, though there are probably other choices at your local liquor store, such as St. Elder, Bols, Fiorente and Chase. They are all worth trying to find your favorite!

Is there a non-alcoholic elderflower liqueur?

While the alcoholic version isn’t mocktail-friendly, elderflower syrup or cordial is a great alternative. It brings the same floral vibe to zero-proof drinks. Liquor brand Giffard now sells an “Elderflower Alcohol Free” that may work.

Does elderflower liqueur need to be refrigerated?

No, elderflower liqueur is shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration. Store it in a cool, dark place, and it’ll keep for months after opening. Elderflower syrup, on the other hand, should be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed within one month.

What goes with elderflower

Elderflower is a delicate flavor that pairs well with some things, but not everything! Try serving elderflower cocktails with dishes that have these flavors:

  • other florals: like lavender or rose
  • herbs: like mint or basil
  • fruit: especially berries (serve it with elegant desserts like Chantilly cake)

The best elderflower cocktails 

Now, who’s ready to make some elderflower cocktails?! Grab your cocktail shaker and a bottle of St-Germain, and let’s get into the top recipes you can make with this popular liqueur. Hope you find a new favorite!

1
Say cheers to the new year with an Elderflower French 75! It's a floral take on the classic champagne cocktail with lemon, gin and St. Germain elderflower liqueur. (via feastandwest.com)
French 77
Bubbly and floral, the Elderflower French 75 Cocktail adds a soft elegance to any occasion. You can throw it together fast, but it always feels like you went the extra mile.
Get the Recipe
2
elderflower rose gimlet in a gold-rimmed stemless cocktail glass with pink garden roses and limes on a white background
Elderflower Rose Gimlet
The Elderflower Rose Gimlet has this lovely balance of citrus and floral without being too sweet. It’s especially nice when the weather warms up and you want something crisp.
Get the Recipe
3
A French cocktail with a grapefruit garnish.
French Blonde Cocktail
Bright citrus and smooth elderflower give the French Blonde Cocktail a refreshing feel with a little depth. It’s a fun one to mix when you want something light but still interesting.
Get the Recipe
4
Two glasses of a drink with a lime and cucumber garnish.
Irish Maid Cocktail
The super fun Irish Maid combines whiskey, cucumber and elderflower for a smooth drink that’s cooler than you’d expect. It’s a great intro if you’re whiskey-curious but don’t love bold flavors.
GET THE RECIPE
5
Two glasses of iced Hugo Spritz with gold-colored utensils on a white surface.
Hugo Spritz Cocktail
Popular in Europe, the Hugo Spritz is floral, bubbly and just sweet enough, thanks to elderflower liqueur and fresh mint. It’s basically sunshine in a glass, perfect for patio weather.
GET THE RECIPE
6
A drink for the Preakness Stakes, the Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is so named for the Maryland-shaped blanket of yellow flowers that is draped around the winner's neck. Vodka and elderflower liqueur join pineapple, orange and lime juices for a sunny drink worthy of race-watching. (via feastandwest.com)
Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail
The Black Eyed Susan Drink is fruity and bright with a little floral twist from elderflower liqueur. It’s an easy pick for summer days when you want something playful and refreshing.
Get the Recipe
7
A glass of light-colored cocktail with ice sits on a coaster, next to a gold spoon and a gold jigger on a white surface with small white flowers.
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
The Elderflower Gin Cocktail is unfussy, elegant and really easy to enjoy. You'll love it when you want something floral without getting too complicated.
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8
A coupe glass filled with a pale yellow cocktail, garnished with lime slices on a skewer. Gold bar tools and lime halves are nearby on a white marble surface.
French Gimlet
With its mix of gin and elderflower, the French Gimlet strikes just the right balance of tart and sweet. It’s a simple shake-and-pour cocktail that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe
9
Close-up of glasses filled with iced cocktails, garnished with lime slices, mint leaves, and a small red berry, with a cocktail shaker visible in the background.
xoxobella.com
Elderflower Mojito Cocktail
This Elderflower Mojito keeps everything you love about the classic — mint, lime and rum — and adds a subtle floral note. It’s crisp, cooling and totally sippable.
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10
A glass of whiskey with a large round ice cube and a twist of lemon peel, placed on a gray surface. Bottles and a lemon are blurred in the background.
www.theculinarycompass.com
Elderflower Old Fashioned
The Elderflower Old-Fashioned is a mellow take on the original, with just enough floral sweetness to soften the edges. It’s a great option if you like whiskey but want a gentler sip.
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11
A glass of clear lemonade with ice, a sprig of mint, and a lemon wedge garnish, surrounded by elderflowers, lemon halves, and a second glass in the background.
whereismyspoon.co
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
This elderflower spin on a Gin & Tonic is a little softer and sweeter than the original. It’s still refreshing, but with a delicate floral note that keeps it interesting.
Get the Recipe
12
A coupe glass filled with a light yellow St. Germain cocktail, garnished with a small yellow flower, sits on a white surface with bar tools and a lemon in the background.
limoncellokitchen.com
Sunflower Cocktail
Citrusy and uplifting, the Sunflower Cocktail brings together elderflower and lemon in a really smooth way. It’s a natural choice for a relaxed brunch or a sunny afternoon.
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13
Two glasses of red citrus drink with ice, garnished with orange slices and thyme, surrounded by sliced oranges, blood oranges, and sprigs of thyme on a marble surface.
www.thelittleepicurean.com
Blood Orange Elderflower Gin Cocktail
Sweet-tart blood orange juice and floral elderflower make this gin cocktail pop with color and flavor. This Blood Orange Elderflower Gin Cocktail looks impressive but comes together quickly.
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14
A glass of grapefruit cocktail garnished with a grapefruit slice, rosemary sprig, and juniper berries, with more drinks and grapefruit slices in the background.
theforkedspoon.com
Elderflower Grapefruit Gin & Tonic
Elderflower Grapefruit Gin and Tonic is a combination of sweet grapefruit juice, fragrant rosemary and elderflower liqueur added to herbal gin and tonic water. The result is a fresh-tasting, refreshing and beautiful cocktail you can enjoy year-round.
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15
A glass of red cocktail garnished with a sprig of rosemary sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by pine branches and a gold ornament, with colorful lights blurred in the background.
aseasonedgreeting.com
Sparkling Elderflower Pomegranate Cocktail
This Sparkling Elderflower Pomegranate Cocktail is a colorful mix of pomegranate and elderflower with a touch of tartness. It’s a lovely one to make for the holidays or any time you want something that feels festive.
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16
A glass of reddish-brown beverage with a red straw, sitting on a light table next to a red jigger and an open book.
mixthatdrink.com
Port Elderflower original cocktail recipe
Rich and lightly floral, this Port Elderflower Cocktail is easy to sip and has a surprising freshness. It’s a nice way to branch out from the usual without going overboard.
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17
A cocktail garnished with small pink flowers sits in a coupe glass, next to a bottle of gin, a striped cloth, and a used tea bag on a saucer.
www.bonappeteach.com
Earl Grey Gin Fizz Cocktail
With the boldness of bergamot from tea and the light touch of elderflower, this Earl Grey Gin Fizz is cozy and refreshing all at once.
Get the Recipe
18
Three glasses of sparkling cocktails garnished with lemon peels sit on a wooden tray, surrounded by bottles of alcohol and sliced pears.
alittleandalot.com
French Pear Martini
The French Pear Elderflower Martini is crisp, a little floral and not too sweet. It’s a nice change of pace when you’re in the mood for something elegant but low-effort.
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19
Three glasses of iced peach tea with ice cubes, peach slices, and mint leaves, next to a container of peaches and a package labeled "tea" on a white surface.
mapleandthyme.com
Summer Peach Tea Cocktail
Juicy peach, chilled tea and a splash of elderflower make this Summer Peach Tea Cocktail feel like a porch swing moment. It’s summery and smooth, with just enough sweetness.
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20
Two glasses of a light green drink garnished with kiwi slices, with lime, leaves, and white flowers nearby; a potted cactus is in the background.
www.justinecelina.com
Kiwi Elderflower Smash
The Kiwi Elderflower Smash blends tart kiwi with floral liqueur for something fruity, bright and not too sweet. It’s a fun cocktail that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
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21
A pale pink cocktail garnished with a sprig of rosemary, with a halved grapefruit and a red and white cloth in the background.
mediterraneanlatinloveaffair.com
Elderflower Cocktail With Grapefruit
This bubbly cocktail pairs tart grapefruit with sweet elderflower in a really clean, crisp way. This Sparkling Elderflower Cocktail with Grapefruit is one of those drinks that’s refreshing without being too punchy.
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22
Top view of sparkling red drinks in glasses garnished with lemon twists, surrounded by lemon slices on a marble surface.
www.cakenknife.com
Sparkling Elderflower Sake Cocktail
This combo of port, sake and elderflower sounds unusual, but it really works. The flavors in this Port Elderflower Sake Cocktail are layered and smooth with a soft sweetness that lingers in a good way.
Get the Recipe

Which of these St-Germain cocktails will you try first? Let me know in the comments below!

About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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