From cocktails to royal cake, Elderflower is all the flavor rage these days. The creamy, white-colored blossom of the Elder plant, a tree like shrub of the Sambucus genus, is found in abundance during the summer months in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Medicinally, it is rich in bioflavonoids and is known for its anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. But its more widespread use, is less as an herbal supplement and more as a sweetened, food/drink additive. Known for the delicate floral flavor that it brings to the pallet; it is commonly used in many British drinks and desserts (ahem…Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding cake). And it is making its way around the world, especially here in The States.
Elderflower is said to pair well with lemon flavors as well as with certain liquors.
The most common Elderflower cocktail ingredient you will find is St.Germain. St.Germain is an Elderflower liqueur and it’s popping up in many a cocktail recipe these days. It is most often paired with champagne; but as a traditionally British ingredient, I’ve also seen it paired with Pimms. A more recent pairing trend that has me excited, however, is complementing the floral notes of the Elderflower with the earthy notes of the juniper berries that are noted in Gin, (my favorite of course!) Some lovely recipes that I’ve come across recently, combine St.Germain with vodka and lemonade, Prosecco, Pimms and fruit and as a simple additive to the classic Gin and Tonic.
Other Elderflower products you’ll find are Elderflower syrup – a simple syrup infused with the flower, to add the flavor but not alcohol – a great alternative for non-or-light-drinkers (also cheaper than alcohol). And some companies have recently released some Elderflower flavored tonics and sodas which are lovely. Fever Tree is one such company. If you’re not a tonic drinker, Trader Joes has a seasonal elderflower-lemon soda that is light and mildly sweet and lovely when paired with vodka or gin.
Today I made an Elderflower-Gin spritzer. It was cool and light and perfect for these hot July days.
The gin I used came from Watershed Distillery. I discovered Watershed Distillery in Columbus, Ohio during my last road trip. When I heard they made a gin that was getting quite a bit of notoriety, I knew I had to stop. Don’t judge, we took the kids to Jeni’s ice cream first! Watershed Distillery’s Four Peel Gin is a citrus-forward gin made with various citrus peels, cassia, Jamaica pepper, coriander and of course, juniper berries. I chose this gin knowing that Elderflower pairs well with citrus.
I combined the gin with elderflower syrup, seltzer water, a few drops of lemon juice, a twist of orange peel and ice.
But don’t take my word for it! Play around with it! Let your pallet be the judge! Whether you’re a champagne drinker, a vodka loyalist or a gin-lover like myself – Be royal for the day and expand your taste pallet with floral botanicals in your cocktails (or mocktails) this summer!
