Elderflower collins

Elderflower Collins

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A modern, floral twist on the classic Tom Collins featuring gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling soda water

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Recipe

1 cocktail (195ml)
  • London Dry Gin 
    45 ml
  • Elderflower Liqueur 
    15 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    30 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1) 
    15 ml
  • Soda Water 
    60 ml
  • Lemon 
    1 wheel

Instructions

Step

Fill a Collins glass two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes and set aside to chill

Step

In a Boston shaker, combine London Dry Gin, elderflower cordial, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice

Step

Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted

Step

Strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer into the prepared Collins glass over fresh ice

Step

Top gently with chilled soda water, pouring slowly to preserve carbonation

Step

Garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh mint sprig, stir gently once, and serve immediately

Equipment

Shaker
Jigger
Hawthorne Strainer
Bar spoon
Citrus juicer

Description

The Elderflower Collins is a contemporary evolution of the beloved Tom Collins, elevated with the delicate botanical essence of elderflower liqueur. This sophisticated cocktail masterfully balances London Dry Gin’s juniper-forward character with the honeyed floral notes of elderflower, brightened by fresh lemon juice and lengthened with effervescent soda water. Perfect for summer entertaining or any occasion calling for a refined, refreshing libation.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (195ml)
Calories
185
ABV
18.5 %
Alcohol
18.2 g
Carbs
12.5 g
Carbs from Sugar
11.8 g
Fat
0.1 g
Protein
0.2 g
Sodium
8 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use premium London Dry Gin with pronounced botanical character for the most complex flavor profile

  • Always juice lemons fresh - bottled juice will significantly dull the cocktail's brightness and aromatics

  • Chill all ingredients beforehand, especially the soda water, to maintain maximum effervescence

  • For party service, pre-batch all ingredients except soda water, then add the fizz just before serving

  • Adjust sweetness by varying the simple syrup quantity - start with less and build to taste

Yes, elderflower cordial works perfectly and is actually the specified ingredient. If using elderflower liqueur like St-Germain, the measurements remain the same but the flavor will be slightly more intense and complex.

London Dry Gin works best due to its botanical complexity and juniper-forward profile. Premium brands like Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, or Hendrick’s will elevate the cocktail significantly compared to standard gins.

You can pre-mix the gin, elderflower cordial, lemon juice, and simple syrup up to 4 hours in advance. Store chilled and add soda water only when serving to maintain carbonation and freshness.

Beyond lemon wheel and mint, try fresh elderflowers when in season, cucumber ribbons, or edible flowers like violets. Each adds a different aromatic dimension to complement the floral profile.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • London Dry Gin
    45 ml
  • Elderflower Liqueur
    15 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    30 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1)
    15 ml
  • Soda Water
    60 ml
  • Lemon
    1 wheel

Method

  1. Fill a Collins glass two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes and set aside to chill
  2. In a Boston shaker, combine London Dry Gin, elderflower cordial, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice
  3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted
  4. Strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer into the prepared Collins glass over fresh ice
  5. Top gently with chilled soda water, pouring slowly to preserve carbonation
  6. Garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh mint sprig, stir gently once, and serve immediately