A perfectly balanced cocktail with a floral twist, the Elderflower Last Word is one of those drinks that feels both timeless and modern. It’s tangy, refreshing, and just sweet enough, making it a real crowd-pleaser. Over the years, it’s become my go-to cocktail for summer evenings or when I want to impress friends with something a little fancy but surprisingly easy to make. Let me walk you through how to whip up this delightful drink, plus a few fun twists to keep things interesting.
Elderflower Last Word
What You’ll Need
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) gin
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Green Chartreuse (a herbal liqueur)
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) maraschino liqueur
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) elderflower liqueur
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) fresh lime juice
- Ice (for shaking)
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Coupe glass (or a martini glass)
- Strainer
Method
- Add the gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake it up! Give it a good, vigorous shake for about 15 seconds until the drink is well-chilled. (You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels frosty in your hands.)
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a cherry for that finishing touch.
And there you have it—a perfectly smooth and refreshing Elderflower Last Word, ready to sip and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lime juice. It makes all the difference! Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same zing.
- Shake like you mean it. This cocktail is all about balance, and shaking ensures everything blends and chills properly.
- Chill your glass. A quick pop in the freezer or a rinse with ice water will keep your drink colder for longer.
Make-Ahead Option
You can pre-mix the ingredients (minus the ice) and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just shake with ice and strain into your glass.
Flavor Notes
The Elderflower Last Word is a beautiful balance of floral, herbal, citrus, and sweet flavors. The elderflower liqueur adds a delicate floral note, while the lime juice keeps things bright and tangy. Green Chartreuse brings a bold herbal kick, and the maraschino liqueur gives a subtle sweetness with a hint of cherry. It’s a cocktail that feels complex but goes down oh-so-smoothly.
Pairing Suggestions
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with light, fresh foods. Here are some of my favorites:
- Soft cheeses: Brie, goat cheese, or triple cream cheeses complement the floral and herbal notes.
- Seafood: Think shrimp cocktail, scallops, or grilled fish.
- Fresh fruit: A simple fruit salad with berries and citrus is a perfect match.
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun twists on the classic Elderflower Last Word:
Lavender Last Word
- Replace elderflower liqueur with lavender syrup.
- Use lemon juice instead of lime for a softer citrus flavor.
- Garnish with a sprig of lavender for an aromatic finish.
Elderflower Spritz
- Swap the Green Chartreuse for sparkling water to lighten things up.
- Serve over ice in a highball glass with a slice of lemon.
Ginger Elderflower
- Add a splash of ginger syrup for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with a thin slice of fresh ginger for a bold presentation.
Non-Alcoholic Version
- Mix elderflower syrup, fresh lime juice, and sparkling water over ice.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel for a refreshing, booze-free option.
Common Questions
What’s the best gin to use?
Any good-quality gin works, but I love using a floral or herbal gin to enhance the elderflower notes.
Can I substitute Green Chartreuse?
Yes! Try Yellow Chartreuse for a milder flavor or experiment with other herbal liqueurs.
Do I have to use a coupe glass?
Not at all—use whatever you have on hand! A martini glass or even a small wine glass works fine.
Is this a strong drink?
It’s definitely on the stronger side, but the balanced flavors make it surprisingly smooth. Sip responsibly!
Can I use bottled lime juice?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Fresh lime juice is key to the bright, tangy flavor of this cocktail.
Final Thoughts
The Elderflower Last Word is one of those cocktails that feels special every time you make it. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet evening or serving it at a party, it’s sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe and make it your own—I’ve made this drink countless times, and experimenting is half the fun! Cheers to your next perfectly balanced sip.
