If you've ever surfed a cocktail menu and wondered what the heck elderflower is, this guide to Elderflower Liqueur is for you. We'll explain what it is, how you can use it and give you some of the BEST Elderflower Cocktail Recipes around!!
If you’re a longtime Garnish with Lemon reader, you know we love our cocktails, especially our elderflower liqueur cocktail recipes. The number of cocktails we have that contain elderflower liqueur is in the double digits and growing.
(Can you say obsessed much?).
We LOVE it but we get that not everyone has jumped on the elderflower bandwagon yet.
So if you’ve never tried elderflower liqueur or if you’re new around here, check out our primer below on Elderflower Liqueur: What it is, how to use it and the BEST Elderflower Cocktail Recipes.
What is elderflower liqueur?
Elderflower liqueur is made from the small, white flowers of the elderflower bush. These blossoms are often handpicked and the liqueur is made with no preservatives or stabilizers (which means it really should be used in about 6 months for best flavor).
Note: Elderflower liqueur is NOT the same as elderflower syrup or elderflower cordial. Both the syrup and cordial are do not contain any alcohol.
You’ll often find it called for in baking recipes (Megan and Harry enjoyed the flavor of elderflowers made from cordial in their wedding cake!) and in non-alcoholic cocktails to impart that unique elderflower flavor.
You can buy bottles of elderflower cordial in stores and online. Interested in making your own non-alcoholic elderflower cordial? BBC Good Food has a well-reviewed recipe.
What does elderflower liqueur taste like?
Don’t worry; even though elderflower liqueur is made from flowers, it doesn’t taste like you are drinking your grandma’s perfume! Rather the liqueur has a delicate floral flavor that is more nuanced than you’d expect.
Since elderflower liqueur is rather sweet, you can easily use it to replace other sweeteners in your cocktail recipes like simple syrup, agave and maple syrup.
The best brand of elderflower liqueur
Picking the “best” brand of elderflower liqueur is almost impossible because people’s taste buds are so different. Prices vary greatly, so budget is a consideration, too.
Luckily there are solid options available at all price points.
St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur is probably the best known brand, and it’s definitely one of our favorites in cocktail recipes where elderflower is a primary flavor like a martini.
We’re also big fans of Drillaud Elderflower Liqueur because it tastes similar to St. Germain but is nearly half the price! I suggest trying a handful of different brands to find a personal favorite.
The bottom line is you can easily use a less expensive brand in elderflower cocktail recipes that have other ingredients with strong flavors (think sangria).
How do I use elderflower liqueur?
Elderflower liqueur is extremely versatile and mixes well with wine and other spirits. Use it to give your drink that little something “extra”; we guarantee it will elevate a good cocktail to great status in a hurry.
You can drink elderflower liqueur on the rocks, add it to sparkling water, sparkling wine or white wine, and - our favorite way to use it - in COCKTAILS!
Best elderflower cocktail recipes
Looking for some of the best elderflower cocktail recipes out there? We’ve got ‘em! Check out our favorites below and don’t forget to stop back as we’ll be adding more elderflower cocktail recipes as we create them.
Craving more cocktail inspiration? Check out all of our cocktail recipes HERE!
The BEST Elderflower Cocktail Recipes
Elderflower liqueur pairs well with a variety of different spirits. Check out these delicious Elderflower Cocktail recipes. You're sure to find something that tickles your tastebuds!
Bourbon Elderflower Cocktails
Yes, elderflower liqueur even pairs well with bourbon! We crave these easy, 4-ingredient Bourbon Elderflower Cocktails the moment the temperatures start to drop. Makes a tasty batch cocktail, too.
Elderflower Vodka Soda
Even classic cocktails can be improved with the addition of elderflower liqueur like in this Elderflower Vodka Soda recipe. The elderflower liqueur adds just enough sweetness to take the edge off a traditional vodka soda.
Gin, Elderflower and Prosecco Cocktail
This Gin, Elderflower and Prosecco Cocktail is particularly festive during the holidays thanks to a generous pour of bubbles and a sugar-coated rim.
Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail
Juicy summer strawberries, fresh-from-the-garden basil and a hint of elderflower liqueur give these easy Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktails an extra flavor boost. Summer never tasted better!
Elderflower Sangria
This Elderflower Sangria recipe combines some of the best summer melons with rosé wine and elderflower liqueur to give you a refreshing party sipper for your backyard BBQs.
Elderflower Martini
If you only try one elderflower cocktail from this list, make it our Elderflower Martini. Made with vodka, gin, and a homemade sweet and sour mix, it’s the most popular cocktail on our site.
Vodka and Elderflower Lemonade
This classic summer cocktail gets an upgrade with the addition of elderflower liqueur and a splash of club soda. Perfect pool drink!
Pomegranate Gin Cocktails
If you need a seasonal cocktail for your next holiday party, look no further than these 4-ingredient Pomegranate Gin Cocktails. Not a gin fan? Can be easily made with vodka, too!
Elderflower French 75
A classic cocktail, the French 75, gets a fun twist with the addition of elderflower liqueur in this delicious Elderflower French 75.
Elderflower Wine Cocktails
Need a batch cocktail for a summer BBQ? Grab your favorite white wine, LaCroix sparkling water and elderflower liqueur, and you have an easy drink for a crowd.
Elderflower Margarita
You’re only 3 ingredients away from margarita nirvana with this quick and easy Elderflower Margarita recipe. Warning: these babies are strong but smooth (maybe a little too smooth).
Elderflower Hard Cider Cocktails
A trip to Canada inspired these Elderflower Hard Cider Cocktails. A shot of elderflower liqueur adds a softness to hard cider that is utterly addicting.
Blueberry Martini
This Blueberry Martini Recipe is the perfect example of how versatile elderflower liqueur is. Paired with blueberry-flavored vodka, lime juice and simple syrup, this martini is always a crowd-pleaser.
Peach Rosé Sangria
Another summer favorite, this easy Peach Rosé Sangria takes advantage of ripe peaches, fresh raspberries and elderflower liqueur to add massive flavor to your patio party.
Elderflower Mojito Cocktail Recipe
Mojitos are thirst-quenching on their own, but a shot of elderflower liqueur elevates these Elderflower Mojitos to a whole new level of refreshment.
Elderflower Gin and Tonic
Even a time-tested cocktail like a gin and tonic gets a flavor boost with the addition of elderflower liqueur in this Elderflower Gin and Tonic recipe. Try it, and you'll be an instant convert.
There are tasty elderflower liqueur options available at a variety of price points from $10-$35. Our favorite brands are Drillaud and St.-Germain.
Mix elderflower liqueur with vodka, gin and homemade sweet & sour.
Elderflower Sangria, Elderflower Gin and Tonic, Elderflower French 75, Elderflower Margaritas, Elderflower Mojitos
Bourbon, vodka, gin, sparkling wine, tequila
Curious about elderflower liqueur, what it is and how to use it? Read our handy guide and get our best elderflower cocktail recipes too!
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