Citrus Elderflower Collins
A bright and refreshing cocktail blending elderflower liqueur with citrus zest for a floral, zesty drink. This global-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes brings together Elderflower Liqueur, Gin, Lemon Juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 130 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 oz Gin
- 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tbsp Simple Syrup
- 4 oz Carbonated Water
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, combine 1 oz elderflower liqueur, 1 oz gin, 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tbsp simple syrup. Add ice cubes and shake for 15 seconds until the mixture is chilled and slightly syrupy.
- Step 2: Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with 4 oz carbonated water, ensuring the fizz is fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Garnish with a lemon zest twist and a sprig of fresh thyme. Serve chilled for a crisp, floral finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Elderflower Collins take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus Elderflower Collins?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus elderflower collins in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Elderflower Collins?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus Elderflower Collins for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus Elderflower Collins?
Global quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better quick meals dishes though.
