Elderflower Collins: A Floral, Fizzy Sip of Happiness
Light, floral, and dangerously drinkable, this Elderflower Collins cocktail takes the classic Tom Collins and gives it a botanical glow-up.
It’s bright, floral, and just the right amount of bubbly. A little lemon to keep things zippy, St-Germain for that elegant touch, and Empress gin to make it look as good as it tastes. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make—like, “impress your peeps with zero effort” easy.
I especially love making this for my Momma on Momma’s Day because she loves a yummy cocktail—no judgments at the cabin, right? Skip the crowded brunch spots—this cocktail is so dang easy to shake up at home. Kick back with Mom, sip something special, and dip into my delicious whipped feta appetizer. Now that’s how you do Mother’s Day.
What’s in an Elderflower Collins?
- Empress Gin – Botanical, exotic, and simply pretty. It gives your cocktail that beautiful purple hue. You might be spending a little more than usual on a bottle of gin, but I promise, it’s worth it.
- St Germain Elderflower Liqueur – Adds a delicate floral flavor to the cocktail. I highly suggest you stick with St Germain. I’ve tried other elderflower liqueurs, and really, nothing compares.
- Lemon Juice – Always freshly squeezed, please! Citrus always adds a zip to any cocktail.
- Lemon Simple Syrup – Adds a little sweetness to the cocktail with that extra lemon taste. Check out my hibiscus simple syrup post for all the syrup-making tips! Or see the recipe card below.
- Sparkling Water – For the bubbly fun. Use any bubbly drink you prefer.
How to Make an Elderflower Collins
Let me show you just how easy this is—you’ll be sipping in no time.
First, fill your favorite cocktail glass up halfway with ice. Pour in the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and lemon simple syrup. Top with sparkling water. Give it a gentle stir. Viola!
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Floral but not overpowering – The elderflower liqueur adds just enough botanical charm without making you feel like you’re drinking a bouquet.
- Light and refreshing – Perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want something crisp and not too boozy.
- Easy to make – No fancy equipment needed, just a glass and a stirring spoon.
Shake Things Up: FAQs About Elderflower Collins
Absolutely! Swap the gin for vodka, tequila, or rum, but fair warning, you’ll lose that gorgeous purple hue. So, if you’re okay with a less photogenic drink (or just really love tequila), go for it!
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need and mix everything but the soda water ahead of time. Add the bubbly just before serving to keep the fizz fresh.
Go classic with a lemon wheel, or get fancy with fresh herbs like thyme or mint. Edible flowers? Always a good idea if you’re feeling extra.
Elderflower comes from the elder tree and has a light, floral, slightly fruity flavor. It’s been used for centuries in everything from teas to cordials to—you guessed it—cocktails. If you’ve never tried elderflower liqueur, think of it as a floral upgrade that makes any drink feel a little more elegant (and a lot more delicious).
Variations
Want to tweak this cocktail to suit your taste? Try these easy variations:
- Skip the simple syrup – Let the elderflower liqueur do all the sweetening and add a little extra lemon juice for a brighter, more citrusy finish. Or just use plain simple syrup and less lemon juice to highlight the floral notes of the elderflower liqueur.
- Try a different spirit – Swap gin for vodka, tequila, or even white rum for a new take on the classic.
- Make it a mocktail – Skip the gin and replace the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup or a floral herbal tea for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.
Fun Cocktail Menu Ideas
A cocktail menu makes hosting easy—your peeps can pick, sip, and chat while you enjoy the night, too. Here are some simple yet elegant options to pair with this Elderflower cocktail to make your backyard cocktail party feel stylish and delicious!
- Whipped Feta Dip – Creamy, tangy, and perfect with homemade cast-iron flatbread or fresh veggies.
- Grilled Shrimp – A light, flavorful bite that complements the floral and citrusy notes of the cocktail.
- Mahi Mahi Bites – Crispy, golden bites of flavorful fish, perfect for dipping and sipping.
- Langostino Lobster Tails – A luxurious yet easy seafood option that pairs beautifully with the floral and citrus notes of this cocktail.
Final Sip
The Elderflower Collins is one of those cocktails that looks impressive but takes minimal effort—my favorite kind of drink. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
I’d love to hear from you! What did you pair with your Elderflower Collins? Drop a comment and let’s talk cocktails and bites!
Elderflower Collins: A Floral, Fizzy Sip of Happiness
Equipment
- saucepot for lemon simple syrup
- cocktail stirrer
Ingredients
Lemon Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 4-5 lemon slices
Elderflower Collins
- 2 oz Empress Gin
- 1 oz St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- ½ oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ oz lemon simple syrup
- sparkling water to top
Instructions
Lemon Simple Syrup
- Combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar in a saucepot over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add lemon slices to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let it sit and steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the syrup into a jar or bottle, discarding the lemon slices. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Elderflower Collins
- Fill a cocktail glass halfway with ice.
- Pour in Empress Gin, St Germain Elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and lemon simple syrup.
- Top with sparkling water. Give it a gentle stir. Sip and enjoy!
