Cucumber-Gin Collins with Elderflower
Crisp cucumber and floral elderflower combine in this sparkling gin Collins for a light, refreshing cocktail perfect for warm evenings. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together London dry gin, Fresh lemon juice, Elderflower liqueur 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 160 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
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 3 slices Cucumber slices
- 2.5 oz Club soda
- as needed Ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Muddle 3 thin cucumber slices gently in a shaker to release fresh flavor without breaking the skin.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz London dry gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Step 3: Fill shaker halfway with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Double strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes to avoid cucumber bits.
- Step 5: Top with 2.5 oz club soda and stir gently for 10 seconds to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a long cucumber ribbon curled inside the glass and a lemon wheel on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cucumber-Gin Collins with Elderflower take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Cucumber-Gin Collins with Elderflower?
Refrigerate any leftover cucumber-gin collins with elderflower 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 Cucumber-Gin Collins with Elderflower?
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 Cucumber-Gin Collins with Elderflower 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 Cucumber-Gin Collins with Elderflower?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks 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.
