Shake up your happy hour with these Bourbon Elderflower Cocktails! These easy, four-ingredient bourbon drinks please everyone and are perfectly sippable any time of year!
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Some bourbon drinks are seasonal.
For example, when the weather turns cold, we gravitate toward heartier flavors like in our BEST Old-Fashioned recipe or this Manhattan cocktail recipe.
In hot weather, you can bet we'll be sipping on a refreshing (and ridiculously simple) Whiskey Ginger drink.
But this Bourbon Elderflower Cocktail is our favorite bourbon drink for any time of year.
Why this recipe works
Some people might be skeptical of combining strong flavors like bourbon and elderflower. But just like the old saying, "opposites attract", these two spirits complement each other beautifully.
A little bit of tart lemon juice and smooth simple syrup adds up to a well-balanced cocktail that doesn't taste overly boozy like some bourbon drinks can be.
Ingredients
There are only 4 ingredients needed for this cocktail:
Tip: Fresh lemon juice is a MUST with this recipe. We're lucky to have a grocery store that stocks freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, which is great for parties or when we need a larger amount of juice. Just making one or two drinks? We're always reaching for our handheld juicer. This handy tool gives us freshly squeezed juice on a moment's notice.
Instructions
No fancy cocktail knowledge is required to make this drink. Just a little muscle power for shaking it!
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients to it.
Shake drink for at least 20 seconds. Strain into low ball glass filled with ice.
FAQs
This liqueur is made from the small white flowers of the elderberry bush. It's delicate, floral flavor gives a soft freshness to cocktails without being overly perfume-y.
Want to learn more? Don't miss our post dedicated to all things elderflower liqueur, including an ever-growing list of cocktails that use it!
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of drinks you think you'll need, combine in a large pitcher and store in the fridge until ready to serve. A quick stir is all that's needed before pouring over ice-filled low ball glasses.
More bourbon drinks
If you like this Bourbon Elderflower Cocktail, you might want to give one of these other recipes try:
- This Gold Rush cocktail - made with ginger liqueur - is strong, spicy and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.
- Do you have a bottle of Aperol that you're not sure how to use? Try these Bourbon & Aperol Cocktails. A splash of Prosecco keeps them fresh and an orange wedge adds a hint of fruitiness. (Plus that color!!)
- One of our favorite fall cocktails is this recipe for Apple Cider Drinks. Made with bourbon, applejack and an infused simple syrup, these always disappear.
- Bubbles make everything better - like in this Sparkling Bourbon Pear Cocktail.
- We added meyer lemon juice to this whiskey sour recipe for a fresh take on a classic. Want a more seasonal spin? Try our Cranberry Whiskey Sour cocktail.
Recipe
Bourbon Elderflower Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ½ ounce elderflower liqueur
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- lemon peel, optional garnish
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Instructions
- Place bourbon, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake to combine.2 ounces bourbon, ½ ounce elderflower liqueur, ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup
- Pour cocktail into a low ball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon peel, if desired.lemon peel,
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Everyone always asks for the recipe when we serve these Bourbon Elderflower Cocktails. A bit of elderflower liqueur keeps these bourbon drinks fresh and light - perfect for any party!
ROSANNE says
I add muddled candied ginger to this cocktail! Delicious!
Dawn says
Delicious! Who knew bourbon and St Germaine could partner with a twist? Balanced and refreshing. Could even add sparkling water to make this a refreshing cocktail spritz.
Anna says
Bubbles would be a great addition. So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for stopping back to let us know!
Thomas says
Loved the recipe! I substituted honey syrup for the simple syrup and it took it to another level! Highly recommend.
Anna says
Love the twist, Thomas!
Duchess says
Love this drink. The elder flower has a nice floral hint without being over powering.
Anna says
So glad you enjoyed it, Duchess! It's a favorite here, too!
Nicole says
I love the glass. Can you share where you got it?
Anna says
Hi Nicole, it's a thrift store find!
Cara says
My husband had one at his grandparents old farmstead & we broke it 🙁 I searched the entire web & finally found 4. You don’t want to know how much I paid for them (but I love them). Looks like I’ll try this drink in them!