Elderfashioned

The Elderfashioned is a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that reimagines the venerable Old Fashioned. By substituting most of the traditional sugar with St-Germain elderflower liqueur, it introduces a beautiful layer of floral and fruity notes. This modern variation balances the spicy character of rye whiskey with delicate sweetness and aromatic bitters, creating a complex yet smooth sipping experience.
Elderfashioned

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Elderfashioned is a modern cocktail, categorized as a contemporary classic. It functions as a sophisticated digestif, perfect for sipping after a meal. It is a direct variation of the timeless Old Fashioned cocktail.

Serving

Serve this spirit-forward drink cold in a rocks or Old Fashioned glass, ideally over a single large ice cube to minimize dilution. It is a moderately strong cocktail designed for slow sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 80-90 ml / 2.7-3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Elderfashioned doesn't have a single credited inventor but emerged in the cocktail scene around the late 2000s. Its creation is directly tied to the explosion in popularity of St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, which was launched in 2007. Bartenders began experimenting with the new liqueur in classic formulas, and substituting it for sugar in an Old Fashioned proved to be an immediate success, quickly becoming a staple in modern cocktail bars.
Origin
This cocktail is a modern creation, originating in the United States and Europe around the late 2000s. It represents a common trend of "twisting" classic cocktail recipes with new, artisanal liqueurs as they become available.

Elderfashioned

The drink is most commonly known as the Elderfashioned. It is also frequently called a St. Germain Old Fashioned or an Elderflower Old Fashioned, names which directly reference the key ingredient that distinguishes it from the original classic cocktail.
Original name
Elderfashioned
Alternative names
  • St. Germain Old Fashioned
  • Elderflower Old Fashioned

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a beautiful amber hue with aromas of elderflower and orange spice. The flavor is whiskey-forward and silky smooth, with a floral sweetness perfectly balanced by bitters, leading to a long, warming finish.
Flavor
Whiskey-forward, Floral, Subtly sweet, Citrus, Spicy
Aroma
Elderflower, Orange zest, Rye spice, Honey
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, Slightly sweet, Mildly bitter
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Floral, Clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Clear, Golden amber
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Rich
Seasonality
All-season, Sophisticated, Warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is led by the strength of the whiskey, balanced by a gentle floral sweetness and a mild bitterness from the bitters. It is a still, non-creamy, and spirit-forward cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need a base of rye whiskey, complemented by St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Aromatic and orange bitters are also required to balance the cocktail's flavor profile.
  • Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A high-rye bourbon can also be used for a slightly sweeter profile.
  • St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    The key ingredient that defines the drink. Adjust quantity to taste.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2 dashes
    Essential for balancing the sweetness and adding complexity.
  • Orange Bitters1 dash(optional)
    Adds a bright citrus note that complements the other ingredients.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring, one large cube or sphere for serving.

Mixing equipments

This is a stirred drink, so a mixing glass and a bar spoon are essential. You will also need a jigger for measuring and a strainer to pour the final cocktail.
  • Mixing glass for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Julep or Hawthorne strainer for straining into the serving glass.

Instructions

To make the Elderfashioned, combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube and garnish with an expressed orange peel.
1. Add a large ice cube or sphere to a rocks glass and set aside to chill.
2. Combine the rye whiskey, St-Germain liqueur, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube.
6. Take a fresh orange peel, hold it over the drink, and squeeze it to express the citrus oils onto the surface.
7. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel and then drop it into the drink as a garnish.

Garnishing

The standard garnish is a fresh orange twist. Express the oils from the peel over the surface of the drink before dropping it in to add a vibrant citrus aroma.
  • Orange twist, expressed over the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free, but it is not gluten-free due to the use of rye whiskey. Always check the specific brands of ingredients if you have severe allergies.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains approximately 190-220 calories per serving, with around 8-10 grams of carbohydrates, almost all of which are from the sugar in the elderflower liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 8-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent sipping cocktail for a relaxed evening or a sophisticated social gathering. It serves beautifully as an after-dinner drink or as the centerpiece of a quiet cocktail hour.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • After-Dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gatherings
  • Relaxing Evening

Pairing suggestions

The Elderfashioned pairs well with savory and rich flavors that can stand up to the whiskey while complementing the floral notes. Consider serving it alongside a cheese plate, charcuterie, or high-quality dark chocolate. The saltiness of cured meats or nuts provides a pleasant contrast to the drink's subtle sweetness.
  • Sharp cheddar or aged gouda cheese
  • Charcuterie board with prosciutto
  • Dark chocolate
  • Salted or smoked nuts

The Elderfashioned: A Floral Twist on a Timeless Classic

The Elderfashioned is a masterful modern interpretation of a classic cocktail, showcasing how a single ingredient change can create an entirely new experience. It is spirit-forward yet approachable, with the rye whiskey's spice softened by the delicate, honeyed notes of elderflower. Balanced with aromatic bitters and finished with a bright citrus aroma, it's a sophisticated and deeply satisfying sipper suitable for any season.

Similar Cocktails

Old Fashioned

The original classic. Uses a sugar cube or simple syrup instead of elderflower liqueur.

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