Elderflower Collins

The Elderflower Collins is a sophisticated and highly refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins. It swaps the traditional simple syrup for elderflower liqueur, introducing a delicate, aromatic sweetness with notes of pear, lychee, and honeysuckle. The botanical notes of the gin and the tartness of fresh lemon juice create a perfect balance, while the soda water adds a lively effervescence. This drink is celebrated for its bright, clean, and beautifully floral flavor profile.
Elderflower Collins

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Elderflower Collins is classified as a highball cocktail, a category of drinks composed of a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass over ice. It's a modern variation of the classic "Collins" family of cocktails.

Serving

Serve this moderately alcoholic drink ice-cold in a tall, chilled Collins glass to maintain its refreshing effervescence. It is a long drink designed for leisurely sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins or Highball glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a modern creation, rising to prominence in the mid-to-late 2000s alongside the global success of St-Germain, a French elderflower liqueur launched in 2007. While not invented by one specific person, its simple elegance and appealing flavor made it an instant hit in bars around the world. It perfectly captured the spirit of the craft cocktail revival by taking a classic formula and elevating it with a new, high-quality ingredient.
Origin
The Elderflower Collins doesn't have a single point of origin but emerged organically in the United States and Europe in the late 2000s. Its creation is intrinsically linked to the introduction and popularization of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. It is considered a modern classic from that era.

Elderflower Collins

This cocktail is often called a St-Germain Collins, named after the most popular brand of elderflower liqueur which propelled the drink to fame. It may also be more descriptively referred to as a Gin and Elderflower Collins to distinguish it from variations using other spirits.
Original name
Elderflower Collins
Alternative names
  • St-Germain Collins
  • Gin and Elderflower Collins

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a delightful sensory experience with a dominant floral aroma from elderflower and a crisp, light texture. Its flavor is a perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it an exceptionally refreshing and clean-tasting cocktail for spring and summer.
Flavor
Floral, citrusy, sweet, botanical, refreshing, crisp
Aroma
Elderflower, lemon, juniper, fresh botanicals
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and sour
Aftertaste
Clean, floral, crisp
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Pale yellow, clear, translucent, sparkling
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring drink

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, characterized by a harmonious balance between floral sweetness and citrus sourness. It is not overwhelmingly alcoholic and features high carbonation, resulting in a crisp and light drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires four key ingredients: a quality London Dry Gin, a floral elderflower liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice for acidity, and chilled soda water for effervescence. The interplay between these simple components creates its signature refreshing taste.
  • London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A classic London Dry Gin with prominent juniper notes works best to balance the sweetness of the liqueur.
  • Elderflower Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    St-Germain is the most common choice, but other brands work as well. Adjust quantity based on sweetness.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
  • Soda Water90 ml / 3 oz, or to top
    Use a well-chilled, highly carbonated soda water or club soda.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and a strainer. This equipment is used to properly chill and combine the ingredients before topping with soda.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining the gin, liqueur, and juice
  • Jigger or measuring cup for accurate ingredient portions
  • Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer for pouring the shaken mixture

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: shake the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice with ice, then strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Finish by topping with soda water and adding a garnish.
1. Fill a Collins or highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted and cold.
4. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the ice-filled Collins glass.
5. Top the drink with chilled soda water, pouring gently to preserve carbonation.
6. Give the drink a gentle stir with a bar spoon to incorporate the ingredients.
7. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh lemon wheel enhances the citrus aroma and adds visual appeal. Alternatively, a sprig of mint can be added for an extra layer of freshness.
  • Lemon wheel or twist, placed inside the glass or on the rim
  • Fresh mint sprig, lightly clapped to release aroma and placed in the drink

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. It is also suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and the sugar in the elderflower liqueur. The total sugar and carbohydrate content is typical for a sweetened liqueur-based drink.
Calories
Approximately 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for warm-weather occasions like garden parties, summer barbecues, and brunches. Its light and refreshing nature also makes it an excellent choice for an aperitif before a meal or as a sophisticated sipper for elegant events.
  • Summer parties
  • Garden gatherings
  • Brunches
  • Aperitif
  • Weddings

Pairing suggestions

The Elderflower Collins pairs beautifully with light and fresh foods that complement its floral and citrus notes. Think of spring and summer fare like seafood appetizers, salads, and soft cheeses. Its crispness cuts through creamy textures, making it a versatile companion for appetizers.
  • Light salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Goat cheese, brie, or other soft cheeses
  • Seafood appetizers, such as shrimp cocktail or oysters
  • Fresh fruit platters

The Elderflower Collins: A Floral and Refreshing Delight

The Elderflower Collins is a modern classic that epitomizes elegance and refreshment. Its simple composition of gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon, and soda creates a perfectly balanced drink that is both accessible for beginners and appreciated by connoisseurs. With its bright floral aroma and crisp, effervescent character, it stands out as an ideal choice for warm weather sipping, social gatherings, and as a sophisticated aperitif. A true testament to how a single ingredient can beautifully reinvent a timeless cocktail formula.

Similar cocktails

Tom Collins

The original classic, which uses simple syrup instead of elderflower liqueur.

Hugo Spritz

Uses prosecco instead of gin and soda water, but shares the elderflower, mint, and citrus flavor profile.

Variations

Elderflower French 75

Replaces the soda water with Champagne or sparkling wine for a more celebratory and effervescent version.

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