Refresh your cocktail game with this no-fuss Elderflower Martini recipe, a delightful mingle of vodka and elderflower that brings summer freshness to every glass!
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
237
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz elderflower Liqueur
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Martini Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice cubes to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
- Mix Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, combine ½ oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz elderflower Liqueur, and 2 oz Vodka with ice.
- Shake Well: Seal the shaker and shake the mixture vigorously until the exterior of the shaker becomes frosty (about 15 seconds).
- Prepare to Serve: Remove the ice cubes from the martini glass (if used for chilling) and strain the shaker's contents into the glass.
- Garnish: Twist a slice of lemon peel over the drink to release the oils.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Vodka: I sometimes switch out traditional vodka for cucumber vodka or gin; it adds a refreshing twist that complements the elderflower wonderfully.
- Elderflower Liqueur: If it isn't handy, I recommend using elderflower syrup or cordial — it's non-alcoholic but still carries floral notes. However, you might want to adjust the sweetness to taste.
- Lemon Juice: In the absence of fresh lemons, high-quality bottled lemon juice can work, but honestly, fresh always tastes better. Alternatively, lime juice offers a zesty kick.
Making a Pitcher of Elderflower Martini:
- Scale: For a gathering, I often make a pitcher serving 8. You'll need 16 oz of vodka, 8 oz of elderflower liqueur, and 4 oz of lemon juice.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher and stir thoroughly. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve: Stir again before serving. Pour into chilled martini glasses, garnish, and serve right away.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Vodka Substitute: Use non-alcoholic alternatives which thankfully are increasing in the market.
- Elderflower Liqueur Substitute: Elderflower syrup or cordial is perfect here, offering the same floral hint without the alcohol.
- Proceed As Usual: With these substitutes, follow the original steps, and you'll have a delightful, non-alcoholic version that's just as enjoyable.
Making it Vegan:
Most components of an Elderflower Martini are inherently vegan. However, some spirits and liqueurs might use animal products in processing. I always check the labels or inquire with the manufacturers to ensure that all the alcohol used is vegan. Brands like "Grey Goose" for vodka and "St-Germain" for elderflower liqueur are typically safe bets for vegans.What is an Elderflower Martini?
An Elderflower Martini is a mix of vodka and elderflower liqueur. This cocktail, often associated with warm summer evenings and sophisticated garden parties, owes its popularity to the delicate balance of sharp, clean flavors with just a hint of natural sweetness from the elderflowers.
What is in an Elderflower Martini – The ingredients
For an Elderflower Martini, you need the following ingredients:
- Vodka: Provides the strong, clean base that carries the other flavors; it’s the backbone of the cocktail.
- Elderflower Liqueur: Adds a sweet, floral note; this gives the cocktail its distinctive flavor and aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Introduces a citrus tang, balancing the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur with its zesty, fresh edge.
- Ice Cubes: Chill and slightly dilute the drink, ensuring it’s refreshingly cool and palatable.
- Lemon Twist (for garnish, optional): Enhances the visual appeal and infuses the drink with a fresh lemon fragrance upon serving.
