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Elderflower & Herb Cooler: sparkling elderflower drink with herbs — Drinks recipe | AfoodrinkDrinks

Elderflower & Herb Cooler

This sparkling elderflower cooler is bright, lightly floral, and finished with fresh mint, basil, cucumber, and lemon. It is a simple nonalcoholic drink for warm afternoons, brunch, or a picnic table.

Total time
15 min
Yield
6 drinks
Difficulty
Easy

Prep 15mCook 0mBritish-inspiredDrinks

Elderflower cordial has a delicate floral sweetness that plays nicely with sharp lemon and cold sparkling water. Here, fresh herbs add a green, garden-like note without making the drink taste grassy.

This cooler is stirred together in a pitcher, so it is easy to serve to a small group. Muddling, which means gently pressing ingredients to release their flavor, helps the cucumber and herbs perfume the drink.

Use chilled ingredients if you can. The drink tastes freshest when the sparkling water goes in just before serving, while the bubbles are still lively.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

8 items · 6 drinks

  • 3/4 cup elderflower cordial, chilled
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 3 to 4 lemons
  • 1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced, plus extra for serving if you like
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • 4 cups cold plain sparkling water
  • 2 cups ice, plus more for glasses
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced, for serving

02How to make it

Step-by-step

  1. 1. Chill the sparkling water

    Place the sparkling water in the refrigerator until very cold. Cold water holds its bubbles better and keeps the cooler crisp without needing too much ice.

  2. 2. Juice the lemons

    Squeeze the lemons until you have 1/2 cup juice. Strain out seeds if needed, but leave a little pulp if you like a fuller lemon flavor.

  3. 3. Muddle the herbs and cucumber

    Add the cucumber slices, mint, and basil to a large pitcher. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to press them gently 8 to 10 times. Do not crush them into a paste; you only want to release their aroma.

  4. 4. Stir in the cordial and lemon

    Pour the elderflower cordial and lemon juice into the pitcher. Stir well so the sweet cordial and tart lemon combine evenly.

  5. 5. Add ice

    Add 2 cups of ice to the pitcher. This chills the base quickly and lightly dilutes the cordial, which keeps the finished drink balanced.

  6. 6. Pour in the bubbles

    Just before serving, slowly pour in the cold sparkling water. Stir once or twice with a long spoon. Stir gently so you do not knock out too much carbonation.

  7. 7. Serve over fresh ice

    Fill glasses with ice. Pour in the cooler, letting some cucumber and herbs fall into each glass. Garnish with lemon slices and extra cucumber if you like.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

  • Make the base ahead: Combine the elderflower cordial, lemon juice, cucumber, mint, and basil up to 4 hours ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add ice and sparkling water only when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Once mixed with sparkling water, the cooler is best within 1 hour. Leftovers are safe to drink the next day if refrigerated, but they will be flatter and the herbs may darken.
  • Swap the herbs: Mint is the easiest herb to use here. You can replace basil with lemon balm, thyme, or a small sprig of rosemary. Use rosemary lightly because it can take over fast.
  • Adjust sweetness: Elderflower cordial brands vary. If the drink tastes too sweet, add more lemon juice or sparkling water. If it tastes too tart, stir in 1 to 2 extra tablespoons cordial.
  • Make it still: Use cold filtered water instead of sparkling water for a quieter, lemonade-style drink.
  • Do not use unidentified elderflowers: This recipe uses prepared elderflower cordial. If you forage flowers for another recipe, only use plants you can identify safely.

Cook's note

Nutrition is estimated per serving using a standard sweetened elderflower cordial at about 70 calories per 2 tablespoons, plus fresh lemon juice, cucumber, herbs, and plain unsweetened sparkling water. Values will change by brand of cordial.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

Can I make this elderflower cooler without sparkling water?

Yes. Use cold still water for a softer drink, or use cold brewed green tea for a more complex flavor. Start with the same amount and adjust to taste.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice tastes brighter and is worth using here because the recipe has only a few ingredients. Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but start with a little less and taste before adding the full amount.

How do I keep the herbs from turning bitter?

Muddle them gently and briefly. Hard crushing can bruise the herbs and bring out bitter flavors. Also, do not leave the herbs in the mixed drink overnight if you want the cleanest taste.

Can I turn this into a cocktail?

Yes, for adults only. Add 1 to 1 1/2 ounces gin, vodka, or dry sparkling wine to each glass, then top with the cooler. Keep the pitcher nonalcoholic if serving a mixed-age group.

What can I use instead of elderflower cordial?

Elderflower syrup is the closest swap. If using elderflower liqueur, note that it contains alcohol and is not a one-for-one family-friendly substitute. For a non-floral version, use a simple syrup flavored with lemon zest and herbs.

05Per serving

Nutrition facts

Nutrition Facts

6 drinks

Amount per serving

Calories78

% Daily Value*

Total Fat0 g
0%
Saturated Fat0 g
0%
Cholesterol0 mg
0%
Sodium1 mg
0%
Total Carbohydrate20 g
7%
Dietary Fiber0 g
0%
Total Sugars19 g
Protein0 g
0%
Vitamin D0 mcg
0%
Calcium9 mg
1%
Iron0.1 mg
1%
Potassium56 mg
1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

05Keep cooking

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