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!
Calie says
2 tsp of agave to replace the simple syrup - delish!
Ann says
The only reason I gave this 4 out of 5 is because I didn't follow the recipe exactly. I went with 1/2 oz instead of 3/4 oz lemon juice & it was great!
Melody says
I’m new to cocktails and just discovered Gin by way of Hendricks Midsummer Solstice. I’ve been loving cocktails using this gin and St Germaine. I would like to branch out now to bourbon cocktails..what brand/style would you recommend for a newbie?
Hi Melody, bourbon is so subjective but we're big fans of Bulleit as it's readily available at any liquor store. Cheers!
Bethy says
Give Four Roses Bourbon a try!
Erich Cervantez says
And don't forget the simple syrup! Otherwise it'll give you pucker face 😉
suede722 says
I tried it with honey simple syrup instead of sugar simple syrup. YUM.
Fun twist, Erich. Love it!
Dwayne says
Its a delicious drink. The reason I did not give it 5 stars is because instead of simple syrup, I use my version of simple syrup, which is equal parts honey and "Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur".
I don't use store bought honey, use unpasteurized and unfiltered honey. Yeah it cost more, but its worth it. You can get 5lbs of real unprocessed honey off of Amazon for $35. The "Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur is also expensive, but fresh squeeze some lemons and try my recipe, and taste the freshness!
Lynne says
This drink is fantastic! First time trying elderflower. It was amazing- gave the drink a tart and citrusy feel. This will be added to my menu of personal favorites.
So glad you enjoyed it, Lynne! It's definitely one of my go-to cold weather cocktails.