If you’re after something fresh and a little unexpected, the Lavender Elderflower Collins is a fun twist on a classic. This recipe brings together floral lavender and sweet elderflower liqueur for a simple, aromatic cocktail you can whip up at home.
I love this blend because it’s not just refreshing; it’s a bit of a departure from the usual summer drinks. The flavors seem to balance nicely, and honestly, there’s no need for fancy bartending skills or weird equipment.
If you’re into light, floral cocktails, you’ll probably appreciate how this one comes together in just a few steps. Curious? Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it.
Lavender Elderflower Collins Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker: I use this to really mix things up.
- Measuring jigger: Makes pouring the right amounts easier.
- Fine strainer: Helps catch ice chips and stray lavender bits.
- Tall glass (Collins glass): Honestly, it just looks best in this.
- Bar spoon: Handy for a gentle stir.
- Citrus juicer (optional): Squeezing lemons by hand is fine, but this helps.
- Ice: Gotta have plenty to keep things cold.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin: I usually go with a classic dry gin—keeps things balanced.
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur: St-Germain is my pick for that sweet floral touch.
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice: I always squeeze it myself for that bright tart flavor.
- 1/2 oz lavender simple syrup: Homemade or store-bought both work—just depends on my mood.
- Club soda: Enough to top off the drink usually 2–3 oz, but I don’t measure too strictly.
- Garnishes optional: Lemon wheel and a few sprigs of fresh lavender if I have them.
Instructions
- I fill my shaker with ice.
- Then I add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup.
- I shake it up for about 10–15 seconds—nothing fancy, just enough to chill.
- Strain that into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda, then give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
- For a nice finish, I’ll add a lemon wheel and a sprig of lavender.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
First sip? The floral aroma hits right away—lavender’s there, soft and herbal, mingling with the gentle sweetness of elderflower.
There’s a nice citrus kick too. The lemon juice really keeps the sweet and floral flavors from getting heavy, so it all feels light and crisp.
I can taste a bit of the gin’s botanicals in the background. They add a little depth, but don’t drown out the gentle floral notes.
The club soda gives it a nice fizz—makes it feel extra lively. As I finish, those floral flavors linger, but never get too strong or cloying.
Key Flavor Highlights:
- Floral lavender and elderflower
- Bright, fresh lemon
- Subtle gin botanicals
- Light carbonation
Honestly, it’s just a really balanced, easygoing drink. Perfect for a warm day—or whenever you need a little floral pick-me-up.
Substitute
Sometimes I run out of certain ingredients, or I just want to play around with a new flavor. Substitutes let me whip up a Lavender Elderflower Collins cocktail with whatever’s kicking around at home.
Here are some equipment, ingredients, and quick instructions for a few easy swaps.
Equipment:
- Mixing glass or shaker
- Fine mesh strainer
- Jigger
- Highball glass
Ingredients:
- Gin Substitute: Vodka or white rum
- Elderflower Liqueur Substitute: Elderflower syrup (non-alcoholic), St-Germain alternative, or homemade elderflower cordial
- Lavender Syrup Substitute: Honey syrup, simple syrup with a drop of vanilla extract, or violet syrup
- Lemon Juice Substitute: Lime juice or bottled lemon juice
- Club Soda Substitute: Sparkling water or tonic water
Instructions:
- I grab vodka instead of gin if I’m feeling like a lighter taste.
- Sometimes I swap elderflower liqueur for a splash of elderflower syrup. If I’m after a different floral note, violet syrup isn’t a bad call.
- When there’s no fresh lemon juice, I just use lime or even bottled lemon juice. It works in a pinch.
- Sparkling water stands in for club soda if that’s all I’ve got.
I usually tweak the sweetness a bit when using syrups or cordials. Stirring well after any swap helps the flavors come together.
