Elderflower Vodka Sour Cocktail Recipe

When I want a drink that feels both refreshing and elegant, I make my Elderflower Vodka Sour.

This cocktail mixes the smooth taste of vodka with the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur, finished with a bright splash of lemon juice.

It’s a simple yet unique drink that always impresses my guests.

I love how easy it is to put together with just a few ingredients.

The Elderflower Vodka Sour is perfect for warm evenings or special get-togethers.

The balance of tart and sweet flavors makes it enjoyable for many different tastes.

Elderflower Vodka Sour Cocktail Recipe

Elderflower Vodka Sour Cocktail Recipe
I use fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and vodka to make this drink. The right equipment and good ingredients help me get the best flavor and smooth texture for my cocktail.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill the drink.
  • Jigger or measuring cup: This helps me pour accurate amounts of each liquid.
  • Strainer: I strain out ice to keep my cocktail smooth.
  • Citrus juicer: This helps me get fresh lemon juice easily.
  • Ice cubes: I always use clean, fresh ice for the best taste.
  • Rocks glass or coupe glass: I serve my cocktail in one of these glasses.
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional): For an extra-smooth cocktail.
  • Bar spoon: I use it to stir or mix ingredients if needed.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • 1 egg white optional, for froth
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon wheel or twist for garnish
  • Edible flowers optional, for garnish

All ingredients should be fresh and high-quality.

Instructions

  • Add vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker.
  • Shake without ice for about 15 seconds (“dry shake”) to mix and froth the egg white.
  • Add ice cubes to the shaker.
  • Shake again for 20-30 seconds until chilled.
  • Strain the mixture into a glass using a strainer.
  • Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.
  • Add an edible flower on top for a pretty finish, if desired.

I make sure to shake well for a smooth, cold drink with a fluffy foam on top if using egg white.

    Notes

    prefer to use St-Germain for the elderflower liqueur because it is easy to find and has a floral, sweet flavor that pairs well with vodka and lemon.
    If I do not want to use egg white, I can leave it out.
    The drink will still be tasty, but less creamy.
    I balance the sweet and sour by adjusting the amount of simple syrup or lemon juice.
    If I want a larger batch, I simply double or triple the measurements but keep the ratios the same.
    For garnish, I sometimes use small edible flowers.
    They make the cocktail look elegant and special for a party.
    If I use regular lemons, I always wash them well before slicing for garnish.
    Fresh ingredients always make the biggest difference in taste and aroma.

    Must Have Ingredients

    Tasting Notes

    When I taste the Elderflower Vodka Sour, the first thing I notice is its fresh and floral aroma.

    The elderflower brings a gentle sweetness that stands out but does not overwhelm.

    As I sip, the vodka gives the drink a clean and crisp feel.

    The lemon juice balances the sweetness with a bright, tart note.

    I can taste subtle herbal flavors from the elderflower liqueur.

    These blend well with the sourness, making the cocktail feel both refreshing and light.

    The texture of the drink is smooth, especially if I shake it with ice and strain it well.

    If I add an egg white, the drink gets a frothy, creamy top, which is pleasing and makes each sip velvety.

    The finish is crisp.

    A mild floral taste lingers briefly after each sip, leaving my mouth feeling refreshed.

    I find the balance between the floral, sweet, and sour to be gentle and enjoyable.

    Substitute

    If I’m out of elderflower liqueur, I just grab another floral or fruity liqueur. Sometimes I’ll reach for a homemade elderflower syrup, or even toss in a splash of simple syrup with a little lemon juice.

    Anytime I swap ingredients, I taste as I go and tweak the sweetness or tartness. Sometimes it’s perfect, other times it needs a little nudge.

    Equipment:

    • Cocktail shaker
    • Strainer
    • Jigger
    • Ice

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz substitute spirit (gin or rum)
    • 1 oz floral/fruity syrup or liqueur
    • 3/4 oz citrus juice (lemon, lime, or grapefruit)
    • 1/2 oz sweetener (simple syrup, honey, or agave)
    • Ice

    Instructions:

    • Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
    • Shake well, about 10-15 seconds.
    • Strain into a glass.
    • Garnish as you wish.

    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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