There aren’t many drinks quite as refreshing as an Elderflower and Cucumber Cooler on a hot afternoon. I find this cocktail easy to make, light to sip, and it’s got that gentle floral sweetness from elderflower with the crispness of fresh cucumber.
This recipe makes a balanced drink that’s great for relaxing solo, or honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser if you’ve got friends over.
Every time I mix up this cocktail, the fresh ingredients really shine. The steps are simple, and the flavors don’t compete—they just play nicely together.
If you’re in the mood to try something new and actually tasty, here’s my go-to method for an Elderflower and Cucumber Cooler.
Elderflower And Cucumber Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill the drink well.
- Jigger: It helps me measure the exact amounts of each ingredient.
- Muddler: I use it to smash the cucumber slices and release their flavor.
- Fine mesh strainer: This removes pulp and seeds, creating a smoother drink.
- Tall glass: I prefer a highball or Collins glass for serving.
- Long spoon or stirrer: This lets me mix ingredients in the glass if needed.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing cucumbers and limes.
- Ice: Cubes or crushed ice both work for this cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin I use a London dry gin for a clean taste
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
- 3-4 cucumber slices plus more for garnish
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice from about half a lime
- 1/2 oz simple syrup optional, for extra sweetness
- Club soda or sparkling water to top up the drink
- Ice cubes
- Mint sprig optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Add cucumber slices to the shaker and gently muddle to release flavor.
- Pour in gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice using a fine mesh strainer.
- Top up with club soda or sparkling water, according to taste.
- Stir gently with a long spoon to combine.
- Garnish with extra cucumber slices and a mint sprig if desired.
- Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
First sip? The aroma’s all cucumber, super fresh, with just a hint of that sweet elderflower in the background.
The flavor is crisp and clean. I get that cool cucumber right away, then the floral elderflower sneaks in. It’s light, easy, and not fussy at all.
The cocktail’s smooth and not overly sweet. The club soda gives it that playful fizz, which I love.
After a few sips, there’s this clean aftertaste—nothing heavy or lingering. It stays balanced, which is honestly what makes it such a good summer drink.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have elderflower liqueur or fresh cucumber on hand. It happens. When it does, I reach for substitutes and keep the cocktail rolling anyway.
Here are some swaps I’ve tried and liked:
- Elderflower Liqueur:
- St. Germain is the classic, but honestly, other floral liqueurs like Domaine de Canton (which is ginger, so it’s a little different) can do the trick if I’m feeling adventurous.
- Homemade elderflower syrup mixed with a splash of vodka works too, especially if I want to go lighter or skip the booze.
- Cucumber:
- No fresh cucumber? I’ll use a bit of cucumber juice or even cucumber-flavored sparkling water in a pinch.
- Sometimes I’ll grab a zucchini and slice it up—texture’s pretty close, though the flavor is definitely more subtle.
- Sparkling Water:
- If I’m out, tonic water or club soda usually steps in. And if I’m craving something sweeter, lemon-lime soda isn’t a bad call.
I tend to tweak the sweetness or the flavor a bit when I swap things out, just to get it tasting how I like it. Sometimes it takes a little fiddling, but hey, that’s half the fun.
