Refreshing drinks—aren’t they always a treat, especially when you get that mix of fruit and floral? My Elderflower and Blackberry Smash cocktail recipe is a simple way to bring a burst of summer taste to any gathering or just a quiet evening at home.

I honestly love how the sweet elderflower pairs with the tartness of blackberries. The result is balanced and crisp, which is exactly what I want on a hot day.

With just a few easy steps, you can whip up this cocktail using fresh ingredients and some basic tools. Nothing complicated here.

Elderflower and Blackberry Smash Cocktail Recipe

This recipe brings together the floral flavor of elderflower and the rich taste of blackberries. I stick with fresh ingredients for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and nice to look at.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Shaker: I use a standard cocktail shaker—it chills and mixes everything fast.
Muddler: For crushing the blackberries and mint leaves to really get those flavors out.
Jigger: Helps me measure spirits and syrup so I don’t go overboard.

Fine mesh strainer: To catch seeds and mint bits, because nobody wants those in their glass.
Glassware: Rocks glass or highball glass works best, in my opinion.
Cocktail spoon: For those final gentle stirs.

Ice: I usually go for medium or large cubes—they melt slower, so the drink stays cold but not watery.

Ingredients

2 oz gin or vodka I lean toward gin for that floral note
1 oz elderflower liqueur St-Germain is my go-to

1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
0.75 oz simple syrup
6-8 fresh blackberries
5-6 fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Club soda to top
Fresh blackberries and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

Put the blackberries and mint leaves in your shaker. I muddle them gently—enough to break them up and get the juices flowing, but not so much you end up with mush.
Add gin (or vodka), elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Fill the shaker with ice. Shake it up for about 15 seconds—just until it’s nice and cold.
Strain the mix through a fine mesh strainer into a glass filled with fresh ice. This keeps things smooth.
Top with club soda. Give it a gentle stir with your cocktail spoon.

Garnish with a couple more blackberries, a mint sprig, and a lemon wheel if you want to get fancy.

Notes

I find ripe blackberries give the drink a deeper flavor and a better color. Sometimes blackberries aren’t sweet enough, so I just add a little more simple syrup.

Chilling the glass ahead of time helps the cocktail stay cold longer. For parties, I make a batch in a big pitcher, then add the club soda right before serving—makes life easier.

If I want a less floral taste, I swap gin for vodka. Changing up the amount of club soda lets me tweak how light or strong the drink ends up. I always taste and adjust before serving, just to be sure.

Tasting Notes

First thing I notice when I take a sip is the gentle floral aroma. The elderflower liqueur brings in this sweet, perfumed smell that’s honestly just light and fresh.

The first taste is a little tart—thanks to the blackberries. As I keep sipping, the elderflower’s sweetness starts to balance things out, so you get both fruity and floral notes in every sip.

The texture’s smooth, almost velvety. Blackberries add a bit of body, while the sparkling water gives a soft fizz.

The finish is clean, not overly sweet. The elderflower lingers, and the blackberry flavor just sort of fades away. I like how the flavors play together without any one of them taking over.

Flavor Highlights

Aroma: Floral and fresh
Taste: Tart blackberries, sweet elderflower
Texture: Smooth, with a hint of fizz
Finish: Light, with lingering floral notes

Honestly, this cocktail tastes best when it’s cold and crisp. If you can get your hands on good, fresh blackberries, use them—they really make a difference.

Elderflower and Blackberry Smash Cocktail Recipe