Elderflower Vodka Fizz Recipe

A bright, effervescent cocktail balancing floral elderflower notes with crisp vodka and zesty citrus, finished with a refreshing fizzy texture that dances on the palate.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A tall collins glass filled with crystal-clear ice captures the essence of the Elderflower Vodka Fizz. Golden afternoon light streams through the glass, illuminating the pale straw-colored liquid with tiny champagne-like bubbles rising continuously to the surface. A thin slice of lemon and a delicate sprig of fresh elderflower rest on the rim, while condensation beads on the outside of the glass suggest refreshing coolness. The contrast between the frosted glass and the bright, summery drink creates a visually striking image that highlights both the sophisticated simplicity and the delicate effervescence of this elegant cocktail.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml vodka</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">25ml elderflower liqueur (St-Germain or similar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">90ml soda water, chilled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon slice for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh elderflower or mint sprig for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Collins or highball glass</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Fill a collins or highball glass with ice and set aside to chill. This pre-chilling step ensures your cocktail remains perfectly cold when served, preventing rapid dilution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker. The elderflower liqueur provides the signature floral notes that make this cocktail unique.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill your cocktail shaker 3/4 full with ice cubes (not crushed ice). Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. This proper shaking technique chills the mixture while creating the ideal dilution ratio.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Empty the ice from your pre-chilled glass and refill with fresh ice. The pre-chilling ensures your glass is already cold, while the fresh ice provides proper dilution and temperature control.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Double strain the cocktail over the fresh ice in your prepared glass. This removes any ice shards or lemon pulp, ensuring a smooth texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Slowly top with chilled soda water, pouring gently down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. The soda should make up about 1/3 of your final drink volume, providing the signature "fizz" element.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Gently stir once with a bar spoon to incorporate the soda without depleting the bubbles. You'll notice the cocktail becomes slightly cloudy as the ingredients fully integrate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and elderflower or mint sprig if available. The aromatic garnish enhances the drinking experience by engaging your sense of smell with each sip.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 12 g
🍭 Sugar: 11 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 5 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I substitute elderflower liqueur with another ingredient if I can't find it?

Yes, you can substitute elderflower cordial mixed with a splash of vodka, or use elderflower syrup with additional simple syrup adjustments. In a pinch, floral honey syrup (3:1 honey to water with a drop of rosewater) can create a similar aromatic quality with a different flavour profile.

What's the best vodka to use for a floral fizz cocktail?

A clean, smooth vodka with minimal flavour works best to let the elderflower shine. Premium options like Grey Goose, Ketel One or Belvedere are excellent choices. Avoid flavoured vodkas as they'll compete with the delicate floral notes. For a botanical twist, try a citrus vodka.

How can I make this cocktail less sweet without losing the elderflower character?

Reduce or omit the simple syrup completely, increase the lemon juice slightly (to 25ml), or use a drier elderflower cordial instead of liqueur. You could also add 3-4 dashes of aromatic or lemon bitters to balance sweetness while enhancing the floral complexity.

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