How to Make the Perfect Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade
British · Easy · 5 min · 2 servings
An elegant and floral mocktail combining elderflower cordial with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sparkling water. This sophisticated drink is light, aromatic, and perfect for celebrations.
Why this recipe works
This Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 110 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 60 ml elderflower cordial
- 90 ml fresh lemon juice
- 300 ml sparkling water
- 20 ml simple syrup
- 4 slices fresh cucumber
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 slices lemon for garnish
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Infuse the Cucumber
Place the cucumber slices into a small jug with the elderflower cordial and let them sit together for 2 minutes. This quick infusion adds a subtle fresh and cool note to the drink.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a cocktail shaker or mixing jug, combine the elderflower cordial with the cucumber slices, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well to make sure the syrup is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Fill the Glasses
Fill two tall glasses generously with ice cubes. Place one cucumber slice and a sprig of fresh thyme into each glass for added visual appeal and subtle aroma.
Step 4: Pour and Top
Divide the elderflower and lemon mixture evenly between the two glasses by pouring it over the ice. Top each glass slowly with sparkling water to retain maximum bubbles.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Gently stir each drink once with a long spoon. Garnish with a lemon slice on the rim and an extra sprig of fresh thyme. Serve immediately while the sparkling water is still bubbly.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- elderflower cordial → rose water syrup for a different but equally floral and elegant flavor
- fresh thyme → fresh basil leaves for a slightly more herbal and Italian-inspired aroma
- simple syrup → lavender syrup for an extra floral and aromatic layer of sweetness
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using too much elderflower cordial which makes the drink overly sweet and overpowers the fresh lemon
- Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh which gives the drink a flat and artificial taste
- Stirring too vigorously after adding the sparkling water which releases all the bubbles and flattens the drink
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 110 calories, 0g protein, 28g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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