Elderflower Citrus Martini Recipe

Introduction:

Some cocktails exude class, others invite you to relax, and a few do both at once. The Elderflower Citrus Martini belongs in that rare third category. With its delicate elderflower notes and bright citrus finish, this drink delivers elegance in every sip, without sacrificing approachability. A graceful blend of elderflower liqueur, premium vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of orange essence, this martini feels like springtime in a glass. It’s perfect for brunches, bridal showers, evening soirees, or any occasion that calls for something uniquely refreshing and quietly luxurious.

Whether you’re crafting this cocktail for a small gathering or savoring it alone during a peaceful sunset, the Elderflower Citrus Martini promises a sip that lingers beautifully and leaves you wanting more.

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Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

The Elderflower Citrus Martini has been rising in popularity across upscale bars and home cocktail menus for several reasons:

• 🌸 Floral Flavor Explosion: Elderflower liqueur brings a lightly sweet, floral aroma that’s both distinctive and refined.

• 🍋 Fresh & Bright: The inclusion of lemon juice adds balance and crispness.

• 🍸 Versatile for All Seasons: Though it’s especially popular in spring and summer, its light floral notes make it appropriate for any elegant gathering.

• 🥂 Impressively Simple: Just a handful of ingredients yield a drink that looks and tastes far more complex.

The growing love for elderflower in cocktails (thanks in part to its use in royal wedding drinks and Michelin-starred menus) only fuels the fame of this stunning martini.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 🌼 Elegant & Sophisticated: Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or date nights.

• 🍊 Zesty & Refreshing: Bright lemon and orange notes keep it crisp and clean.

• 🧊 Simple Ingredients: No obscure mixers—just fresh, high-quality staples.

• 🌿 Aromatic Experience: Every sip is fragrant, relaxing, and soul-soothing.

• 🥂 Customizable Strength: Make it stronger or lighter to suit your taste or mood.

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Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

• 🌼 1.5 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain) – Light, floral, slightly sweet

• 🍸 1.5 oz vodka – Use premium quality for a smoother finish

• 🍋 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and balance

• 🍊 0.25 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec) – Boosts citrus complexity

• 🍬 Optional: 0.25 oz simple syrup – For a touch of sweetness if preferred

• 🧊 Ice cubes – For shaking and chilling

• 🌿 Garnish: edible flower, lemon twist, or a sugared rim

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Preparation:

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Begin by placing a coupe or martini glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Shaker

In a cocktail shaker, add:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1.5 oz elderflower liqueur

• 0.75 oz lemon juice

• 0.25 oz orange liqueur

• (Optional) 0.25 oz simple syrup

Step 3: Shake Well

Add ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold. This ensures proper dilution and chilling.

Step 4: Strain into Glass

Discard ice from the serving glass. Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the mixture into your chilled glass.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with a lemon twist, edible flower, or even a sugared rim for extra flair. Serve immediately.

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Variations:

The Elderflower Citrus Martini is easily adapted for different palates and occasions.

🍸 Gin Elderflower Martini

Swap vodka for a floral gin like Hendrick’s to amplify the botanicals.

🍍 Tropical Bloom

Add 0.5 oz pineapple juice and garnish with a pineapple leaf for a more tropical profile.

💚 Cucumber Elderflower Twist

Muddle 2 slices of cucumber in the shaker before adding the other ingredients for a fresh garden flavor.

🍇 Berry Bloom Martini

Add 0.5 oz muddled raspberries and strain thoroughly for a colorful, fruity variation.

🥂 Sparkling Elderflower Martini

Top with prosecco or sparkling wine after straining to make it bubbly and brunch-ready.

🍹 Mocktail Version

Replace alcohol with elderflower syrup and lemon sparkling water. Add a dash of orange juice for complexity.

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Cooking Note:

These martinis are forgiving and easy to adapt, but for best results:

• Always use fresh lemon juice—it provides a sharper, more balanced acidity than bottled juice.

• Shake, don’t stir—elderflower liqueur blends best with citrus when vigorously shaken with ice.

• If you’re using a sugared rim, moisten the rim with lemon juice and dip in fine sugar before pouring.

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Serving Suggestions:

• 🌷 Bridal Showers or Garden Parties – Serve in coupe glasses with edible flowers.

• 🌅 Sunset Aperitif – Beautiful before dinner when the light catches the pale gold drink.

• 🧁 With Desserts – Pairs beautifully with lemon tart, panna cotta, or angel food cake.

• 🧀 With Cheese Boards – Especially soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with fruit.

Make a batch in a pitcher and pour into glasses just before serving for cocktail-hour ease.

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Tips:

• Garnish with a twist of lemon or lime to bring out citrus oils.

• For a stronger drink, increase vodka slightly and reduce elderflower liqueur.

• If using St-Germain, remember it’s naturally sweet—taste before adding syrup.

• Store leftover lemon juice in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Use a fine strainer when shaking with fruit or muddled ingredients to avoid pulp.

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Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking (Shaking) Time:

2 minutes

Total Time:

7 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 190

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Sugar: 9g

• Protein: 0g

• Fat: 0g

• Sodium: 3mg

• Alcohol Content: ~14% ABV

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FAQs:

What does elderflower taste like?

Elderflower has a floral, subtly sweet flavor with hints of pear, lychee, and honey. It’s light and very aromatic.

Can I substitute elderflower liqueur?

You can use elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic version or skip it entirely and replace with another floral liqueur like lavender or rose, though the flavor will change.

What vodka works best?

A clean, neutral premium vodka like Grey Goose or Tito’s allows the floral and citrus notes to shine through.

How do I make this cocktail sweeter?

Add 0.25 oz of simple syrup or use sweetened elderflower syrup in place of the liqueur.

Is this a strong martini?

It’s moderate—less harsh than a classic martini due to the sweet and floral notes of elderflower and citrus.

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Conclusion:

The Elderflower Citrus Martini is a drink for those who want more than just a cocktail, they want an experience. Light, fragrant, and strikingly smooth, it offers a delicate balance between floral sweetness and zesty brightness. It’s perfect for impressing guests, savoring solo, or toasting under the stars. Whether you serve it at an elegant brunch or clink glasses with it at a celebration, this martini leaves an impression long after the last sip.

So next time you’re in the mood for something exquisite, shake up a Elderflower Citrus Martini, raise your glass, and sip your way into citrusy floral bliss.

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