Elderflower Caipirinha Cocktail Recipe

Elderflower Caipirinha is a fresh twist on a classic cocktail.

This recipe shows you how to mix the floral notes of elderflower with the crisp flavor of lime and cachaça. The result is a bright, refreshing drink that’s actually pretty easy to make at home.

I like sharing simple recipes that can impress guests and bring something new to the table.

This drink balances sweetness and tartness, so it’s spot-on for warm days or special nights. Curious? Here’s what you’ll need and how I put it all together.

Elderflower Caipirinha Cocktail Recipe

Elderflower Caipirinha Cocktail Recipe
I’m a fan of the unique taste of elderflower liqueur paired with the zesty flavors of a classic Caipirinha. For best results, I grab quality limes, a good cachaça, and just a few basic tools from my kitchen.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Cutting board and sharp knife: I use these to slice the lime cleanly and safely.
  • Short glass (old-fashioned or rocks glass): This is the traditional glass for Caipirinhas and holds the right amount.
  • Muddler: I prefer a wooden muddler to help press the limes and sugar together.
  • Measuring jigger: Using a jigger keeps my drink measurements consistent.
  • Bar spoon: I use this to mix the cocktail well without spilling.
  • Ice: Crushed ice works best for this drink because it chills quickly.

Ingredients

  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar or use fine cane sugar for a smoother mix
  • 2 ounces cachaça a Brazilian distilled spirit
  • 1 ounce elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
  • Crushed ice
  • Optional garnish: Lime wheel or a few edible elderflowers

Instructions

  • Place the lime wedges and sugar in the bottom of the glass.
  • Muddle the lime and sugar together, pressing firmly to release juices and dissolve sugar.
  • Add the cachaça and elderflower liqueur.
  • Fill the glass with crushed ice.
  • Stir well to mix and chill all the ingredients.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel or a few elderflowers, if desired.
  • Serve immediately to keep the drink fresh and cool.

Notes

Ripe limes are key—they give more juice and less bitterness, at least in my experience.
Adjust the sugar to taste if you want it sweeter or more tart. If I’m out of elderflower liqueur, I’ll just make a classic Caipirinha or try another floral liqueur for fun.
This cocktail is best right after you make it, since the ice melts fast.
Crushed ice lets the flavors mingle quickly but, yeah, it’ll dilute faster too. I skip bottled lime juice—just doesn’t taste the same or as fresh.
If I want a stronger floral note, I’ll add a splash more elderflower liqueur, but too much can throw things off balance.
For bigger gatherings, I’ll prep the lime and sugar in advance, then muddle and mix each drink fresh. It’s worth the extra step.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

When I first sip the Elderflower Caipirinha, there’s an immediate blend of sweet and citrus flavors.

The elderflower liqueur gives a floral touch that mixes gently with the bright lime. It’s super refreshing, honestly.

I get a mild sweetness, balanced by the sharpness of fresh lime.

The cachaça brings a subtle earthiness, making each sip smooth but still lively.

What I experience:

  • Aromas: Light floral notes, fresh lime zest
  • Flavor: Sweet, slightly tart, gentle floral undertones
  • Finish: Crisp, clean, and not too strong

The texture’s a little thick because of the muddled lime and sugar.

There are tiny bits of lime floating around, which I kind of like for that extra fresh feel.

This cocktail really shines over lots of ice.

I find the chill helps mellow the flavors so nothing gets too overpowering.

Substitute

Sometimes, I just don’t have all the exact ingredients or equipment for an Elderflower Caipirinha. It happens! Here are some simple substitutes I use so I can still enjoy this cocktail.

Equipment substitutes:

  • Instead of a muddler, I usually grab a sturdy wooden spoon. Sometimes, the end of a rolling pin does the trick too.
  • If there’s no cocktail shaker around, I just stir the drink right in a large glass. Works fine, honestly.

Ingredient substitutes:

  • Cachaça: White rum steps in pretty well. I use the same amount as I’d use for cachaça.
  • Elderflower liqueur: If that’s missing, I mix lemon juice with simple syrup. Or, a dash of elderflower syrup can give a similar vibe.
  • Lime: Fresh lemon can stand in for lime. The taste is a bit different, but sometimes you just gotta improvise.
  • Simple syrup: No simple syrup? I just dissolve regular sugar in a little warm water and call it good.

Instructions for using substitutes:

  • I muddle the lime or lemon with sugar or syrup right in the glass. No need to overthink it.
  • Then, I add the cachaça or white rum, and pour in the elderflower substitute.
  • Finally, I fill the glass with ice and give it a good stir. That’s pretty much it.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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