Elderflower and Orange Cocktail Recipe

This Elderflower and Orange Cocktail is a refreshing and elegant recipe, which is made with St. Germain liqueur and fresh orange juice. It’s the perfect sophisticated cocktail, ready in about 5 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Elderflower and Orange Cocktail Ingredients

2/3 cup Orange Juice, plus a wedge for the rims
Sanding Sugar, for the rims
3 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
2 oz. Cointreau
2 oz. Vodka
Orange Slices, for garnish

How To Make an Elderflower and Orange Cocktail

Prepare the Glasses: Pour some sanding sugar onto a small plate. Rub the rim of your serving glasses (martini or coupe glasses work well) with an orange wedge to moisten them. Dip the moistened rims into the sanding sugar to coat them.
Shake the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice. Add the orange juice, St. Germain, Cointreau, and vodka.
Strain and Serve: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake it vigorously for about a minute, until the outside is very cold. Strain the cocktail evenly into the prepared glasses. Garnish each glass with an orange slice and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

What’s the best orange juice to use? For the best, brightest, and most authentic flavor, you must use freshly squeezed orange juice. It makes a world of difference compared to bottled juice.
How do you get a perfectly chilled cocktail? The key is to shake with plenty of ice and for a longer time than you think. Shaking for a full minute, as the recipe suggests, will ensure the drink is ice-cold and perfectly diluted. Chilling your glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes beforehand also helps.
What is Cointreau? Cointreau is a premium brand of triple sec, which is a type of orange-flavored liqueur. It adds a complex, bittersweet orange note that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Can I make this as a bigger batch for a party? Yes. You can easily scale up the ingredients, mix them in a pitcher, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just shake individual portions with ice to get them properly chilled and diluted.

What To Serve With an Elderflower and Orange Cocktail

This is an elegant, citrus-forward cocktail that is perfect for a brunch, a bridal shower, or as a pre-dinner aperitif. It pairs well with light and savory appetizers, such as:

A simple cheese and charcuterie board
Shrimp cocktail
Smoked salmon blinis with dill cream cheese
Goat cheese and fig crostini

How To Store a Cocktail Batch

Refrigerate: A pre-mixed batch of this cocktail can be stored in a covered, non-metallic pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh orange juice will have the best flavor within the first 24 hours.

Elderflower and Orange Cocktail Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 cocktail (1/2 of recipe)
Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Sugar: 36g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use a different orange liqueur instead of Cointreau?

Yes. Any good quality triple sec or an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier can be used as a substitute for Cointreau.

Is this cocktail very sweet?

It is on the sweeter side, with a good balance from the fresh orange juice. If you prefer a tarter cocktail, you can add a small squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to the shaker to brighten it up.

What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

If you don’t have a shaker, you can use a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar. Fill it with ice, add your ingredients, seal it tightly, and shake away!

Try More Recipes: