• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Garnish with Lemon logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Food
  • Drinks
  • How To's
  • FAQs
  • Our Story
  • Work With Us
  • Contact
  • Story Archives
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » All » Elderflower Liqueur: What it is, how to use it and the BEST Elderflower Cocktail Recipes

    Published: Dec 5, 2019 · Modified: Feb 5, 2021 by Anna · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Elderflower Liqueur: What it is, how to use it and the BEST Elderflower Cocktail Recipes

    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!! 

    Bottles of elderflower liqueur

    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.

    Jump to:
    • What is elderflower liqueur?
    • What does elderflower liqueur taste like?
    • Best Brand
    • How do I use it?
    • 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.

    Bottles of different brands of elderflower liqueur with gold jigger.

    Best Brand

    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).

    A cocktail shaker pouring an elderflower liqueur cocktail into a coupe glass.

    How do I use it?

    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

    Bourbon Elderflower Cocktails
    These easy, 4-ingredient Bourbon Elderflower Cocktails make a tasty signature cocktail for your next party.
    Get the Recipe
    elderflower vodka soda featured image
    Elderflower Vodka Soda recipe
    Impress your guests with this easy Elderflower Vodka Soda recipe. It takes your classic vodka soda from average to AWESOME with the addition of one simple ingredient. Make it in minutes!
    Get the Recipe
    Cocktails in coupe glasses with sugar rims and a lime wedge for garnish.
    Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail
    This Gin, Elderflower Prosecco Cocktail is a smooth sipper that is perfect to celebrate any occasion!
    Get the Recipe
    Vodka Strawberry Cocktails
    This fresh Strawberry Cocktail is like sipping summer in a glass! Fresh, juicy strawberries and fragrant basil leaves add major flavor while a splash of sparkling wine keeps every sip light and refreshing.
    Get the Recipe
    glass filled with drink , ice and melon cubes.
    How to Make Elderflower Sangria
     This Elderflower Sangria recipe is a perfect way to cool off on a warm day!
    Get the Recipe
    Elderflower Vodka Lemonade
    It's summer!! You only need 4 ingredients to change up your traditional cocktail of choice and sip on a refreshing Elderflower Vodka Lemonade cocktail.
    Get the Recipe
    tall martini glass filled with drink on table with lemon wedges.
    Elderflower Martini
    The homemade sweet and sour is the game-changer in this Elderflower Martini recipe.
    Get the Recipe
    Tall champagne flutes filled with cocktails with lemon slices for garnish.
    French 77
    Bubbles make every occasion special, but this French 77 is a fun update to the classic French 75!
    Get the Recipe
    Elderflower Margarita
    Today’s 3-ingredient Elderflower Margarita recipe is brought to you just in time for summer sipping season. Cheers!
    Blueberry Martini Recipe
     This smooth blueberry martini recipe is perfect for any occasion!
    Get the Recipe
    Gin and tonic cocktail in lowball glass with ice and lime wedge.
    Elderflower Gin and Tonic
    Change up a classic. A splash of elderflower liqueur takes this Gin and Tonic recipe from average to outstanding!
    Get the Recipe
    Elderflower Mojito Cocktail Recipe
    We added our favorite liqueur to a classic mojito cocktail recipe to make this bright and refreshing Elderflower Mojito.
    Get the Recipe
    Glass of Rosé Sangria garnished with fresh peach slices and raspberries.
    Rosé Sangria
    Beat the heat with a glass of this easy Rosé Sangria. Smooth, not too sweet and super refreshing, it's the perfect cocktail for your next backyard BBQ.
    Get the Recipe
    Elderflower Gin Gimlet
    This from-scratch Elderflower Gin Gimlet recipe is the best of both worlds: a classic cocktail with a modern, elderflower twist. Everyone who tries it loves it! 
    Get the Recipe
    White Wine Spritzers with Elderflower
    Crisp and refreshing, these three-ingredient Elderflower Wine Spritzers are delicious thirst quenchers on hot summer nights!
    Get the Recipe
    lemon drop in coupe glass with elderflower.
    Easy Elderflower Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
    Add a splash of elderflower liqueur to your classic lemon drop martini for a refreshing twist on an old favorite.
    Get the Recipe

    Craving more cocktail inspiration? Check out all of our cocktail recipes HERE! 

    What is the best elderflower liqueur?

    There are tasty elderflower liqueur options available at a variety of price points from $10-$35. Our favorite brands are Drillaud and St.-Germain. 

    How to make an Elderflower Martini?

    Mix elderflower liqueur with vodka, gin and homemade sweet & sour.

    What cocktails can you make with Elderflower Liqueur?

    Elderflower Sangria, Elderflower Gin and Tonic, Elderflower French 75, Elderflower Margaritas, Elderflower Mojitos 

    What spirits mix well with Elderflower Liqueur?

    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! 

    « Elderflower Gin Gimlet
    How to Cook Beef Tenderloin »

    About Anna

    Hi, I’m Anna, a former corporate communications nerd turned food fanatic. Turns out I like cooking for others A LOT more than explaining HR policies to them. C’mon over!

    Reader Interactions

    Rate the Recipe, Leave a Comment or Share a Tip! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    MEET LISA AND ANNA

    We're the creative juices behind Garnish with Lemon. In the past 10 years, millions of people have sipped & snacked on our recipes. Need easy, delicious party food and drinks for your next shindig? You’ve come to the right place.

    OUR STORY

    Popular Posts

    • layered dip on platter.
      Layered Greek Dip
    • Mini pancake skewers with sliced strawberries and Nutella.
      Mini Pancakes
    • Coconut macaroons on a copper cooling rack.
      The BEST Coconut Macaroons (without condensed milk)
    • shrimp tacos on tray with green onions and chipotle cream.
      Easy Shrimp Tacos
    • Coconut lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on dark sheet pan.
      Coconut Lemon Bars
    • Footed glass filled with limoncello spritz cocktail, lemon slices and fresh rosemary.
      Limoncello Spritz

    Seasonal Recipes

    • cheesecake stuffed strawberries featured image
      Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
    • margarita on the rocks with salt with lime wedge.
      Grand Marnier Margarita (golden margarita)
    • sliced spinach quiche with parmesan cheese.
      Quiche Florentine (Spinach Quiche)
    • Woodford spire in a glass with crushed ice and lemon peel garnishes.
      Woodford Spire - The BEST Kentucky Derby Cocktail
    • chimichurri in small bowl with spoon.
      Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
    • Grilled Sockeye Salmon recipe with Maple Ginger glaze

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy/Disclosure Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Garnish with Lemon Copyright © 2023