Elderflower Collins: Recipe Guide
ElderFlower Collins
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger or measuring spoon, glass (highball or Collins glass), and a stirring stick.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 oz elderflower liqueur like St-Germain
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice and fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients
- Make sure you have everything on hand before you start. This will streamline the process and keep it fun!
- Prepare the Glass
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
- Mix the Base
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon juice. You can use a jigger or measuring spoon for accuracy.
- Shake it Up
- Add ice to the shaker, cover it, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This helps to chill the mixture and blend the flavors.
- Strain and Serve
- Discard the ice from your glass. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass over fresh ice.
- Top with Bubbles
- Pour the club soda or sparkling water gently over the drink to fill the glass. This adds a refreshing fizz!
- Garnish
- Add a lemon slice and a few mint leaves to make your Elderflower Collins look as good as it tastes.
- Enjoy!
- Give it a little stir before sipping, and enjoy the floral, zesty flavors!
- Variations
- Elderflower Gin Fizz: Replace the elderflower liqueur with gin for a more pronounced herbal flavor.
- Berry Collins: Add a handful of muddled berries (like raspberries or strawberries) to the mix for a fruity twist.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and use tonic water instead of club soda for a delightful mocktail.
Looking for a cocktail that’s not just tasty but also incredibly refreshing? The Elderflower Collins is the perfect drink. It combines the delicate floral notes of elderflower liqueur with the zesty kick of lemon, making it a delightful choice for any occasion. This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser, especially during warm evenings or garden parties. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to creating this lovely drink, along with tips, variations, and nutritional info.
Behind the History of Elderflower Collins
The Elderflower Collins is a fresh twist on a classic cocktail, the Tom Collins. The original Tom Collins goes way back to the 1800s and started as a simple mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. It became popular in England and later caught on in the U.S. for its light, citrusy taste.
The Elderflower Collins came along much later, adding a modern floral note to the mix. People started using elderflower liqueur instead of plain sugar syrup to give the drink a softer, aromatic flavor. Elderflower, which comes from the blossoms of the elder tree, has a subtle sweetness and refreshing scent. It pairs perfectly with lemon and sparkling water, making the drink feel light and elegant.
This updated version quickly gained fans for being easy to sip, especially at brunches, garden parties, and weddings. It’s now a favorite among people who want something stylish but not too strong, with just the right balance of citrus and floral notes.
Notes on What to Expect
When making an Elderflower Collins, expect a refreshing drink with a floral aroma and a hint of citrus. The elderflower liqueur provides a unique sweetness that’s beautifully complemented by the tangy lemon juice and fizzy soda. It’s a versatile cocktail that can be served at brunches, garden parties, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Time to Stand: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 1
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: $8 – $12 (depending on local prices and quality of ingredients)
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger or measuring spoon, glass (highball or Collins glass), and a stirring stick.
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #elderflowercollins here
Ingredients
- 2 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice and fresh mint leaves for garnish
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #elderflowercollins here
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start. This will streamline the process and keep it fun! - Prepare the Glass
Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes to chill while you prepare the cocktail. - Mix the Base
In a cocktail shaker, combine the elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon juice. You can use a jigger or measuring spoon for accuracy. - Shake it Up
Add ice to the shaker, cover it, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This helps to chill the mixture and blend the flavors. - Strain and Serve
Discard the ice from your glass. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass over fresh ice. - Top with Bubbles
Pour the club soda or sparkling water gently over the drink to fill the glass. This adds a refreshing fizz! - Garnish
Add a lemon slice and a few mint leaves to make your Elderflower Collins look as good as it tastes. - Enjoy!
Give it a little stir before sipping, and enjoy the floral, zesty flavors!
Variations
- Elderflower Gin Fizz: Replace the elderflower liqueur with gin for a more pronounced herbal flavor.
- Berry Collins: Add a handful of muddled berries (like raspberries or strawberries) to the mix for a fruity twist.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and use tonic water instead of club soda for a delightful mocktail.
Tips and Substitutions
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch.
- Dietary Needs: For a lower-calorie version, consider using diet tonic water or sparkling water. Ensure the elderflower liqueur is gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities.
Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #elderflowercollins here
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~180
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 0g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Sweet? If the drink is too sweet for your taste, add more lemon juice or soda to balance it out.
- Flat Drink? Ensure your club soda or sparkling water is fresh and fizzy. If it’s flat, it won’t provide the right refreshing kick.
Nutritional Breakdown Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Carbohydrates (g) | Sugars (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elderflower Liqueur | 2 oz | 120 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 1 oz | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Club Soda (or Sparkling Water) | 3 oz | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total per Serving | 128 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 10.5 | 0 |
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation: Serve in a highball or Collins glass to highlight the cocktail’s refreshing appearance. Consider using clear ice cubes for a classy touch.
- Garnishes: Enhance the visual appeal with a lemon wheel on the rim of the glass and a sprig of fresh mint. You can also add a few edible flowers for an elegant touch, perfect for garden parties or brunches.
- Pairing: This cocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers like cucumber sandwiches, cheese platters, or fruit skewers. It’s also great with light summer salads or seafood dishes.
Notes
- Alcohol Content: The Elderflower Collins contains alcohol, with a moderate alcohol content primarily from the elderflower liqueur. Please enjoy responsibly and know your limits.
- Seasonal Adjustments: You can adjust the ingredients based on seasonal availability. Fresh lemons are usually available year-round, while elderflower liqueur can be found in most liquor stores.
- Making it Ahead: You can prepare the elderflower and lemon juice mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the soda and ice right before serving for a fresh taste.
- Chilling Your Glass: For an extra cool drink, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep your cocktail cold longer.
FAQs on Elderflower Collins
1. What is elderflower liqueur?
Elderflower liqueur is a sweet, floral spirit made from the flowers of the elderberry tree. It’s commonly used in cocktails for its unique flavor and aroma. St-Germain is one of the most popular brands.
2. Can I make an Elderflower Collins without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply replace the elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and use tonic water or sparkling water. This creates a delicious and refreshing mocktail.
3. How do I store leftover ingredients?
Store any remaining elderflower liqueur in a cool, dark place, ideally in its original bottle. Fresh lemon juice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
4. Is there a low-calorie version of the Elderflower Collins?
Yes! Use a lower-calorie elderflower syrup and sugar-free tonic water or sparkling water. This can significantly reduce the calorie count while still providing great flavor.
5. Can I prepare an Elderflower Collins in advance?
While it’s best to mix the drink fresh to maintain its fizz, you can prepare the elderflower and lemon juice mixture ahead of time. Just add the soda and ice right before serving to keep it refreshing.
Final Words
The Elderflower Collins is more than just a cocktail; it’s an experience! With its floral notes and zesty twist, this drink is perfect for various occasions from summer parties to cozy evenings with friends. Whether you choose to stick to the classic recipe or experiment with fun variations, it’s bound to become a favorite in your drink repertoire.
So, gather your ingredients, shake things up, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Elderflower Collins. Remember, from my own personal experience, the best cocktails are those shared with friends, so don’t forget to serve them with a smile! Cheers to happy sipping!
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