Elderflower and Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe

When I want a refreshing drink that feels a little special, I often make an Elderflower and Lime Rickey cocktail.

This recipe uses elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice, and soda water to create a crisp and floral drink that’s perfect for warm weather.

The bright taste and simple ingredients make it easy to prepare, even if I’m short on time.

Elderflower adds a light sweetness, while the lime gives the cocktail a fresh bite that balances the flavors.

I enjoy serving this at gatherings because it looks elegant and always gets compliments.

If you’re looking to try a new twist on the classic Rickey, this version is a great place to start.

Elderflower And Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe

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I enjoy making this refreshing cocktail for gatherings or relaxing evenings. The right equipment, fresh ingredients, and clear instructions help me create a delicious drink every time.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• Jigger or measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are important for consistent flavor.
• Strainer: Helps keep any pulp or ice out of the glass.
• Citrus juicer: Makes squeezing limes much easier and quicker.
• Tall glass: I like using a Collins or highball glass for serving.
• Bar spoon: Perfect for stirring the drink just before serving.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz gin I sometimes use vodka as an alternative.
• 1 oz elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup adjust to taste
• 2 –3 oz club soda chilled
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: Lime wheel or wedge fresh mint sprig (optional)

Instructions

• Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
• Add gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
• Shake well until the mixture feels chilled when I touch the shaker—usually about 15 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with 2–3 oz of club soda.
• Stir gently using a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a lime wheel, wedge, or a sprig of mint if I want extra aroma.

Notes

I find the cocktail tastes best with high-quality elderflower liqueur and fresh lime juice.

For a lighter drink, I sometimes add extra club soda.

If the cocktail is too tart for my taste, I increase the simple syrup by 0.25 oz at a time.

Using vodka instead of gin makes a milder version, while leaving out the alcohol turns it into a mocktail.

Fresh, cold ingredients give the best flavor and fizz.

I avoid bottled lime juice because it can taste too sharp or bitter.

If needed, I prepare the base mixture ahead and just add club soda before serving.

For large groups, I sometimes multiply the recipe and make a pitcher, adding ice and soda at the last minute.

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Tasting Notes

When I taste this Elderflower and Lime Rickey, the first thing I notice is the fresh citrus scent.

The zesty lime comes through right away and smells crisp and clean.

As I take a sip, the drink feels light on my tongue.

The elderflower adds a subtle sweetness that’s not too overpowering.

It balances out the tartness of the lime well.

I enjoy how the bubbles from the soda water lift the flavors.

They make the cocktail feel lively and refreshing.

Flavor Highlights:

• Lime: Tart, sharp, and bright
• Elderflower: Gentle floral sweetness
• Soda water: Clean and fizzy

The finish is smooth with no aftertaste.

Substitute

If I don’t have elderflower liqueur, I just reach for something similar to get close to that flavor. Here are a few options I usually try out:

Ingredients:

• St-Germain substitute: Elderflower syrup or cordial.
• Lime replacement: Lemon juice or maybe grapefruit juice—depends what I’ve got.
• Club soda: Any kind of plain sparkling water works in a pinch.

Instructions:

• I swap elderflower syrup or cordial for the liqueur, using the same amount. It’s not exactly the same, but it does the trick.
• No fresh lime? Lemon or grapefruit juice steps in. Not perfect, but honestly, it’s still tasty.
• If I’m out of club soda, any unflavored sparkling water is fine. I don’t get too picky here.

Equipment:

• Measuring jigger or, honestly, just a small cup.
• Bar spoon or a regular spoon—no need to be fancy.
• Tall glass, because more room is always better.

I just tweak the sweetness if I’m using syrup instead of liqueur—sometimes it needs a little extra splash, sometimes not. Depends on my mood and how sweet I want it, honestly.