Elderflower Apple Cider Punch Cocktail Recipe

Whenever I’m in the mood for a drink that’s both refreshing and ridiculously easy to throw together, I keep coming back to this Elderflower Apple Cider Punch Cocktail. There’s something about the crisp apple cider and those floral elderflower notes that just feels a little bit special, you know?

It’s honestly a solid pick for parties, family hangouts, or even just a lazy afternoon on the porch. I really appreciate that it doesn’t need a ton of fancy ingredients and you can whip it up in just a few minutes.

If you’re after a drink that’s festive and different but doesn’t require bartending skills, this might be the one.

Elderflower Apple Cider Punch Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail brings together bright, tangy apple cider with fragrant elderflower liqueur.

I like to throw in some fresh citrus juice and just a hint of spice—keeps it simple but still refreshing.

Equipment

You don’t need much to make this cocktail, which is honestly part of the appeal.

• Cocktail shaker: Perfect for chilling and mixing everything fast.
• Martini glass: I usually serve this in a chilled martini glass—it just looks sharp.
• Jigger or measuring cup: Makes it easier to get the right proportions.
• Strainer: Helps pour the cocktail smoothly, especially if you’ve got ice in the shaker.
• Stirring spoon: Handy for gently mixing in the sparkling water or club soda.
• Cutting board and knife: For slicing up lemon, lime, or apples to toss in as garnish.

Ingredients

This punch doesn’t need a ton of ingredients, but each one adds something.

• 2 oz apple cider
• 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur (St. Germain is a good pick)
• 1 oz fresh apple juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz whiskey or bourbon (totally optional, but I like the warmth it brings)
• 2 oz sparkling water or club soda
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish or a little stir)
• Sliced apples or lemon wheels (up to you, for garnish)
• Ice (just enough to fill the shaker)

Instructions

Making this cocktail is honestly as simple as it gets.

• Toss the apple cider, elderflower liqueur, apple juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and whiskey or bourbon (if you’re using it) into your cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker the rest of the way with ice.
• Shake it up for about 15 seconds—just enough to get everything nice and cold.
• Strain the mix into a martini glass.
• Top it off with sparkling water or club soda for that fizzy kick.
• Give it a gentle stir with a spoon so the bubbles don’t disappear.
• Finish with a cinnamon stick, some apple slices, or a lemon wheel—whatever feels right in the moment.

Notes

I usually tweak the balance depending on my mood.

Sometimes I’ll bump up the lemon or lime if I’m craving more tartness. If I want it sweeter, a little extra apple cider or juice does the trick.

For a stronger punch, I’ll add more whiskey or bourbon, but honestly, it’s great even without the booze.

Either sparkling water or club soda works for the fizz—I just use what I’ve got. Elderflower liqueur (St. Germain’s my go-to) gives it that floral lift that pairs so well with the apple and citrus.

I always wait until the end to add my garnishes, just so they stay crisp.

This punch is best served cold, so I chill the glass and don’t skimp on the ice in the shaker.

Fresh juices really do make a difference, so I try to use them when I can, but bottled works in a pinch.

If you’re making this for a group, you can mix everything except the sparkling water ahead of time, then add the bubbles right before serving.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of this elderflower cocktail, the first thing that hits me is the gentle floral aroma. There’s this sweet, almost delicate scent from the elderflower, and it mingles surprisingly well with the fresh apple.

The taste starts off crisp—definitely the apple cider leading the way. It’s fruity, sure, but not in a way that’s too sharp or cloying.

There’s a touch of honey from the elderflower, which sneaks in and makes each sip feel smooth and, honestly, kind of comforting.

I pick up on a really mild citrus note too. It brightens things up, but I wouldn’t say it ever takes over or feels out of place.

The bubbles from the cider? They add just enough fizz to keep the drink lively and a bit playful.

Here’s what really stands out to me:

• Floral sweetness from the elderflower.
• Fresh and tangy apple flavor.
• Subtle citrus hints.
• Light fizz for a refreshing mouthfeel.

The drink looks a little golden in my glass, and you can see tiny bubbles making their way to the top. If you toss in a couple of apple slices or maybe a sprig of mint, it just looks even more inviting.

It’s sweet, but not in a heavy way. I think it’s light enough to enjoy on a warm afternoon, or honestly, just hanging out with friends at a laid-back get-together.