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–+ servings

Elderflower and Blackberry Smash Cocktail Recipe

Elderflower and Blackberry Smash Cocktail Recipe
This recipe brings together the floral flavor of elderflower and the rich taste of blackberries. I stick with fresh ingredients for a cocktail that's both refreshing and nice to look at.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Shaker: I use a standard cocktail shaker—it chills and mixes everything fast.
  • Muddler: For crushing the blackberries and mint leaves to really get those flavors out.
  • Jigger: Helps me measure spirits and syrup so I don't go overboard.
  • Fine mesh strainer: To catch seeds and mint bits, because nobody wants those in their glass.
  • Glassware: Rocks glass or highball glass works best, in my opinion.
  • Cocktail spoon: For those final gentle stirs.
  • Ice: I usually go for medium or large cubes—they melt slower, so the drink stays cold but not watery.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin or vodka I lean toward gin for that floral note
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur St-Germain is my go-to
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 0.75 oz simple syrup
  • 6-8 fresh blackberries
  • 5-6 fresh mint leaves
  • Ice cubes
  • Club soda to top
  • Fresh blackberries and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

  • Put the blackberries and mint leaves in your shaker. I muddle them gently—enough to break them up and get the juices flowing, but not so much you end up with mush.
  • Add gin (or vodka), elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  • Fill the shaker with ice. Shake it up for about 15 seconds—just until it's nice and cold.
  • Strain the mix through a fine mesh strainer into a glass filled with fresh ice. This keeps things smooth.
  • Top with club soda. Give it a gentle stir with your cocktail spoon.
  • Garnish with a couple more blackberries, a mint sprig, and a lemon wheel if you want to get fancy.

Notes

I find ripe blackberries give the drink a deeper flavor and a better color. Sometimes blackberries aren't sweet enough, so I just add a little more simple syrup.
Chilling the glass ahead of time helps the cocktail stay cold longer. For parties, I make a batch in a big pitcher, then add the club soda right before serving—makes life easier.
If I want a less floral taste, I swap gin for vodka. Changing up the amount of club soda lets me tweak how light or strong the drink ends up. I always taste and adjust before serving, just to be sure.