Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer

This elegant mocktail combines the cool, clean taste of fresh cucumber with the delicate, sweet notes of elderflower cordial, all brought to life with the lively fizz of sparkling water. It is a sophisticated and hydrating drink that is incredibly easy to make. A perfect choice for warm weather, brunches, or when you want a celebratory drink without the alcohol.
Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a non-alcoholic mocktail. It falls into the category of spritzers due to its combination of a base flavor with sparkling water, offering a sophisticated alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Serving

This non-alcoholic mocktail is served cold over ice in a Highball or large wine glass for an elegant presentation.
Serving size
250-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer doesn't have a specific historical origin but is a modern creation that gained popularity in the 2010s. It rose alongside the growing demand for artisanal mocktails and the widespread appeal of elderflower flavor in beverages. Its creation is a logical and delicious pairing of two quintessentially fresh and light ingredients.
Origin
This is a contemporary drink, likely originating in the United Kingdom or the United States around the 2010s. Its emergence is closely tied to the craft cocktail and mocktail movement and the increased availability and popularity of elderflower cordial.

Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer

The drink is known by its descriptive name, Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer, which clearly indicates its main flavors. Alternative names like Elderflower Cucumber Cooler or Cucumber Fizz are also used to highlight its refreshing and bubbly nature.
Original name
Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer
Alternative names
  • Elderflower Cucumber Cooler
  • Cucumber Fizz

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a refreshingly crisp flavor profile, dominated by floral elderflower and cool cucumber, with a clean, bubbly texture and appearance.
Flavor
Cucumber, elderflower, floral, sweet, slightly tart, refreshing, crisp
Aroma
Floral, fresh cucumber, clean, minty
Taste balance
Primarily sweet and floral with a crisp, watery freshness
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Clear, very pale green, bubbly
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Very refreshing, summery, spring drink

Flavor intensity & Experience

Moderately sweet and floral with high carbonation, this spritzer is light and refreshing yet distinctly flavorful.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This mocktail requires just a few simple ingredients: fresh cucumber, floral elderflower cordial, a splash of lime juice, and sparkling water for fizz.
  • Cucumber Slices3-4 thin slices
    For muddling or placing in the glass.
  • Elderflower Cordial25 ml / 0.85 oz
    Also known as elderflower syrup.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor.
  • Sparkling Water150 ml / 5 oz, to top
    Club soda or seltzer can also be used.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed; simply use a jigger for accurate measurements and a bar spoon to gently combine the ingredients in the glass.
  • Jigger for measuring liquids.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring.

Instructions

This drink is built directly in the serving glass. Simply combine cucumber slices, cordial, and lime juice, add ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish.
1. Place 3-4 cucumber slices in a Highball glass or a large wine glass.
2. Add the elderflower cordial and freshly squeezed lime juice to the glass.
3. Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes.
4. Gently top with sparkling water, pouring slowly to preserve the carbonation.
5. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine.
6. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a fresh mint sprig before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a visually appealing cucumber ribbon curled inside the glass and a fragrant sprig of fresh mint to enhance the aroma.
  • Cucumber Ribbon: A long, thin ribbon of cucumber placed inside the glass wall for visual appeal.
  • Mint Sprig: A fresh sprig of mint, gently clapped between your hands to release its aroma before placing in the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally alcohol-free and caffeine-free. It is also suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, as it contains no dairy, eggs, or other animal products, and is free from common allergens like gluten, soy, and nuts.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a light, low-calorie mocktail, containing approximately 50-70 kcal per serving. Most of its carbohydrates and sugars come from the elderflower cordial.
Calories
averagely 50-70 kcal / 209-293 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 12-16 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 12-16 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This spritzer is exceptionally versatile, making it ideal for sunny garden parties, elegant brunches, and celebratory events like baby showers. It's also a perfect choice for a simple, relaxing afternoon refresher.
  • Summer Party
  • Brunch
  • Garden Party
  • Baby Shower
  • Relaxing Afternoon

Pairing suggestions

Its light and floral profile pairs wonderfully with delicate and fresh foods. It is an excellent companion to light salads, seafood appetizers like smoked salmon, afternoon tea sandwiches, and goat cheese hors d'oeuvres.
  • Light salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Smoked salmon blinis
  • Finger sandwiches
  • Goat cheese tarts
  • Fresh fruit platters

The Essence of Refreshment: Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer

The Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer is a sophisticated and incredibly refreshing non-alcoholic beverage. Its charm lies in the perfect marriage of cool cucumber and floral elderflower, brightened with a hint of lime and the effervescence of sparkling water. Effortless to prepare, it is an excellent choice for any gathering, from casual brunches to elegant garden parties. This mocktail offers a delightful and stylish alternative to alcoholic drinks for those seeking a flavorful, hydrating option.