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This Elderflower Martini is perfect for an elegant evening, or simply relaxing at home. St. Germain Elderflower liqueur flavors the martini beautifully.

This elderflower vodka cocktail will soon become a favorite drink of yours, as it is mine.

Elderflower Martini with St. Germain

While there are several other elderflower liqueurs available on the market, St. Germain by far is the best known.

Here I've used in in a vodka martini. Gin is equally good in this St. Germain cocktail and cucumber vodka is also a popular choice. Either can be swapped evenly for the vodka in this recipe.

What is Elderflower Liqueur

This liqueur is infused with fresh elderflowers. The flowers bloom in late spring, but each blossom only lasts a couple days... so picking is quite the job.

Yes, these are the same blossoms that produce elderberries.

What does Elderflower Liqueur taste like?

The flavors elderflowers lend to the liqueur are complex. There are definitely citrus notes, but also elements akin to pear or lychee and well. There is a slight floral character to the spirit, but it is quite subtle, unlike many culinary flowers.

Pinpointing a specific flavor profile for liqueurs distilled with elderflower like St. Germain is elusive. This is part of the allure, and why elderberry cordials are so coveted.

How to Make an Elderflower Martini

Here is a run through of how to make the cocktail recipe. A printable recipe card for your bar can be found below.

Cocktail Ingredients

Here is what you need to make the Elderflower Martini

3 ½ oz vodka or gin (cucumber vodka is a popular choice as well)
1 oz elderflower liqueur , I used St. Germain
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice (from a squeezed wedge)
twist of lemon *optional
thin sliced cucumbers, approximately 6 slices, half muddled * optional

Mixing the Drink

Now let's fix the cocktail.

Start by muddling cucumber slices at the bottom of your cocktail shaker. This step is optional, skip if you prefer not to use cucumbers.

Fill the shaker with ice and add the vodka or gin.

Squeeze lemon juice into the mixing glass from a fresh wedge of lemon.

Add the elderberry liqueur to the cocktail shaker.

Mix with a long spoon or cover and shake.

Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with lemon twist. Add cucumber slices if you like.

Serving St Germain Vodka Cocktail

This is a lovely mixed drink anytime of year, but I especially enjoy it in the spring and summer months. It is a great before or after dinner cocktail as it is pretty gentle on the palette.

A fabulous drink at a cocktail party, as it's not too harsh. This elderflower martini pairs well with a large array of hor d'oeuvres.

More Cocktails

Here are a few more of my cocktail recipes, you may like.