Welcome spring with a refreshing a classy elderflower gin cocktail! This delicate beverage is perfect to sip on at any fancy party, and it’s so easy to make!
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Elderflower Gin Cocktail
Is anyone else ready to welcome the sunshine of springtime? I know it can’t just be me! So, I’m gearing up to make every refreshing cocktail that I can think of. From tasty drinks like blueberry lemonade to boozy beverages like a rosemary champagne cocktail, I like to have plenty of yummy recipes to choose from.
This elderflower gin cocktail is another go-to when it comes to a light and refreshing beverage. The beautiful floral flavor of elderflower pairs wonderfully with a dry gin and the tartness of fresh lemon juice.
It’s a very classy drink that would be just perfect for tea parties, bridal showers, and luncheons. Pair it with a few madeleines or shortbread cookies for the most upscale and and elegant experience!
If you’re looking for a new cocktail recipe to try out, then grab some elderflower syrup and let’s get started! Cheers to springtime and a classic cocktail that is wonderfully delicious!
More elegant cocktails: Champagne Moscow Mule • Clover Club • Champagne Margarita • Southside Cocktail
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’re going to love how simple and tasty this elderflower gin cocktail is:
- You only need five minutes of prep time to make this exceptional cocktail. I love quick and easy recipes so that I’m not standing at the bar for the entirety of a party that I’m hosting!
- Easily put your own twist on this recipe by adding different herbs and ingredients to shake up the flavor.
- This simple cocktail only requires four basic ingredients. You may even have everything needed on hand already, so it’s a fabulous last minute drink idea.
Tools and Glassware
The drink can be served neat in a coupe glass or on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass *. Depending on what you prefer, make sure that you have the correct glassware.
You will also need a jigger and cocktail shaker * to make the cocktail! Make sure that you have a sharp knife and cutting board so you can cut slices of lemon as a garnish too
Ingredients
These four basic ingredients are all that you need to make an elderflower gin cocktail. Here’s what is required for this recipe:
- London Dry gin: I like Hendrick’s Gin for this because it is bright, floral and herbal, and makes this drink taste like a garden. If you need help choosing a good gin, check out my gin 101 post for everything you need to know when finding a great bottle of gin.
- elderflower simple syrup: A elderflower simple syrup can be made with sugar, water and dried or fresh elderflowers. Elderflower liqueur can be substituted, however it will make the drink a bit boozier. If you’d like a cocktail that uses liqueur in the original recipe, then check out my French gimlet recipe and my elderflower rose gimlet.
- lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is best! But if you’re in a hurry or don’t have fresh lemons, then you can use bottled lemon juice.
- lemon slice: I like to use a simple lemon slice as a garnish, but there are other options that you can use. A lemon twist or candied lemon slice would be perfect! Flower ice cubes would also be so pretty in this cocktail!
Leftover gin? Try the bee’s knees cocktail, an easy and delicious spring cocktail with gin, lemon and honey.
Substitutions & variations
If you do not have gin on hand, vodka would be the best substitution for this cocktail.
Change up the flavor of this cocktail with different herbs or simple syrups. A splash of honey simple syrup, mint simple syrup, or lavender simple syrup would all pair wonderfully with the floral flavor of elderflower. Or, you could tie in herbs as a garnish using mint leaves or a sprig of thyme.
Other refreshing garnishes like cucumber slices, lime wedges, and sprigs of elderflower would add a nice touch to this cocktail.
Turn this into an elderflower gin fizz with a bit of club soda, champagne, or sparkling cider.
How to make an Elderflower Gin Cocktail
Follow these simple steps to make this elegant gin cocktail in just minutes:
- Fill a cocktail shaker * with ice and add the gin, elderflower syrup and fresh squeezed lemon juice.
- Then shake well and strain the mixed drink into a cocktail glass. You can serve it neat in a coupe glass * or on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and serve immediately!
What to serve with an Elderflower Gin Cocktail
For an elegant party, pair this cocktail with cookies like matcha shortbread cookies and heart sugar cookies. It would go wonderfully with lemon bars too!
If you want more savory snacks, whipped feta dip with homemade pita chips would be just perfect. You can also pair it with a charcuterie board or bite-sized apps like caprese skewers.
You can also pair it with other elderflower cocktails.
Tips & tricks
With a few simple tips, you can take this drink from good to great! Check out my best tips and tricks when making an elderflower gin cocktail:
- Don’t make your drinks ahead of time, especially if you’re serving them on the rocks. There’s nothing worse than a watered down cocktail from melted ice!
- I highly recommend using homemade elderflower syrup, as I find that the flavor is much fresher and makes a better cocktail.
- Chilled glasses will help keep the cocktail cold for a longer amount of time! Just pop them into the fridge or freezer for a bit before making the cocktail.
FAQ
Citrus flavors like lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit pair beautifully with elderflower! It also pairs well with many different herbs and different berries. That is the good thing about basic cocktail recipes like this one! You can add any ingredients that you want to change up the flavor.
One is not stronger than the other, in fact they both have no less than 40% ABV. However, the flavors are different and the two pair better with a variety of flavors.
More elderflower cocktails
- French Blonde Cocktail
- Elderflower French 75 Cocktail
- Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail
- Elderflower Old Fashioned
Share your thoughts! Leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below. We love hearing from you!
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
ingredients
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
- 2 ounces London Dry gin
- 1 ounce elderflower syrup or elderflower liqueur
- 1 ounce lemon juice fresh
- lemon slice for garnish
Elderflower Simple Syrup
- 4 tablespoons dried elderflowers
- 1½ cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
instructions
Elderflower Simple Syrup
- If using fresh elderflowers, wash them and pat them dry.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the elderflowers and water to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes. The liquid will reduce.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer * over a large bowl and strain the tea mixture to yield a smooth, refined liquid. Strain again if any seeds or floral bits come through. Discard the spent elderflowers.
- Measure the hot liquid and add an equal amount of sugar. (Alternatively, measure 1 cup of liquid and 1 cup of syrup.) Stir until dissolved.
- Let cool completely, then funnel the elderflower syrup into an airtight jar or bottle. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to one month.
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, elderflower syrup and lemon juice.
- Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. (The drink can be served neat in a coupe glass * or on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass *.)
- Garnish with a slice of lemon.
notes
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