There’s something magical about sipping a floral, herbaceous cocktail under the summer sun. Every spring, we crave light and refreshing drinks, and this Elderflower & Cucumber Collins hits all the right notes. It’s crisp, fragrant, and effortlessly elegant—just like a garden party in a glass! We love mixing this up when friends stop by unexpectedly, or when we need a little mid-week pick-me-up.
✨ Why We Love This Elderflower Gin Cocktail 💚
What makes this gin cocktail special? It’s the balance of floral elderflower syrup, cooling cucumber, and bright lemon juice, all topped with bubbly soda water. The result? A light and refreshing gin cocktail that’s perfect for warm-weather entertaining. We’ve tried dozens of botanical drinks, but this one never fails to impress!
Quick Tip!
For the best results, use fresh cucumber slices and high-quality elderflower syrup to elevate the flavors.
🌞 Perfect Summer Cocktail for Garden Parties & Brunches 🌼
When the sun is shining, nothing beats this elderflower cucumber gin cocktail. It’s versatile enough for an elegant brunch, a casual picnic, or even as a signature drink at summer weddings. The combination of elderflower and cucumber brings a light botanical twist to classic gin cocktails—your guests will be begging for the recipe!
🥂 The History Behind Elderflower in Cocktails 🍃
Elderflower has long been celebrated in European cuisine, particularly in syrups, cordials, and liqueurs. In cocktails, it’s prized for its delicate floral aroma and subtle sweetness. We love how it transforms a simple gin fizz into something fresh and fragrant. Plus, elderflower pairs beautifully with cucumber, making this combo a botanical dream come true!
👀 Did You Know?
🌿 Elderflower is not just tasty—it’s also rich in antioxidants and has been used in traditional remedies for centuries!
🍹 Customizing Your Elderflower & Cucumber Collins 🌱
🌍 Why We Think This Cocktail Belongs on Every Summer Menu 🌞
🍋 Pro Tip!
Ingredients
- 50 ml gin your choice of London Dry Gin or any preferred variety
- 25 ml elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
- 25 ml fresh lemon juice
- 4-5 cucumber slices
- 100 ml soda water or tonic water
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: cucumber ribbon and edible violets optional
Instructions
- Muddle the Cucumber: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber slices gently to release their fresh juice.
- Add the Liquids: Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and ice cubes to the shaker.
- Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine all the ingredients.
- Strain & Serve: Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Top off with soda water or tonic water, depending on your preference for a slightly sweeter or more bitter finish.
- Garnish: Garnish with a ribbon of cucumber (use a vegetable peeler to create the ribbon) and an edible violet flower for an extra touch of elegance.
Notes
- For a sweeter variation, you can add a splash of simple syrup to taste.
- If you prefer a more intense cucumber flavor, increase the number of cucumber slices muddled in the shaker.
- This cocktail can also be made in a pitcher for serving multiple guests—just multiply the ingredients and pour over ice when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Elderflower & Cucumber Collins
🍸 What Kind of Gin Should I Use?
We recommend a floral or citrus-forward gin to complement the elderflower and cucumber notes, but any quality gin will work beautifully.
🌸 Can I Make This Cocktail Without Alcohol?
Yes! Simply swap the gin for a non-alcoholic gin alternative or use sparkling water with a splash of elderflower cordial for a refreshing mocktail.
🥒 Do I Need to Peel the Cucumber?
No need! Just wash the cucumber well. The peel adds extra color and a subtle bitterness that pairs nicely with the floral elements.
❄️ How Should I Serve This Cocktail?
Serve it over plenty of ice in a tall Collins glass. Garnish with extra cucumber ribbons and an elderflower sprig or lemon slice for a stunning presentation.
🍋 Is There a Substitute for Elderflower Liqueur?
You can use elderflower syrup or cordial if you don’t have liqueur on hand—just adjust the sweetness by reducing any added simple syrup.
🌿 What Food Pairs Well with This Cocktail?
It’s light and floral, so it pairs perfectly with summer salads, light seafood dishes, or a cheese platter with fresh fruits and herbs.
Cheers to your refreshing Elderflower & Cucumber Collins—a floral, crisp delight perfect for warm days! 🌸🍸✨
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