Elderflower Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Floral, fresh and tartly sweet, the Elderflower Martini brings the flavor of the French Alps to every sip.

The air was temperate and sweet, with a cool, soft breeze rippling through my hair. Neither cold nor hot, but just right, the climate in this idyllic green countryside is simply heavenly. Lush, rolling fields, pine trees that reached toward the blue sky, swaying and whispering in the steady, caressing wind. The sweet aroma of elderflowers filled my surroundings, while the snowy peaks of the Pointe de Charbonnel stood tall and mighty beyond the horizon.

The sound of bells led me to a village, as welcoming and warm to this wandering stranger as the weather and scenery. At the end of town was a chapel, the source of the chimes and ringing. Picturesque doesn’t begin to describe the buildings and almost-fairy-tale-like architecture that surrounded me.

And then there was the tavern, whose doors were wide open, inviting me in for an afternoon tipple. The floral aromas that filled my senses with whimsy also gave me a very specific craving… I sought a cocktail that could refresh my taste buds with the soft, sweet and delectable notes of elderflowers. The barkeep knew what I needed and served me a cold and crisp Elderflower Martini.

Easy to make as it is to sip, this slender and sleek-looking drink is tart, strong and tastes of fresh mountain air. Wherever you are in the world, as you drink this cocktail, you’ll always be near the French Alps.

What is the best alcohol to use in an Elderflower Martini?

When I made this tasty drink at home, the two spirits I used were St-Germain—which is my choice for elderflower liqueur—and a clean, peppery potato-distilled Polish vodka. If you have a bottle or brand you like, that’ll work nicely, too. I would stay away from any flavored spirits, so that the flavor is nice and balanced when mixed with the lemon juice and liqueur.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Chill a cocktail coupe or martini glass in your freezer, or fill it with ice as you prep your drink. Dump the ice, pour your mixture in, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Is this an authentic Martini?

No. While inspired by the look of a martini, this cocktail is actually closer to a Gimlet, and no vermouth is present either.

Other Martini-inspired drinks worth trying

Martinis are classics in the world of cocktails. And inspiring. There are more mixed drinks out there using the name “martini” in their titles than there are actual martinis. And that’s okay, as well as being a lot of fun. If you have some coupes just itching to get used this weekend, but no olives or vermouth, then check out some of these ‘Tini-inspired tipples.

• Pear Martini – Here’s another floral and crisp treat, featuring vodka and elderflower liqueur.
• Bikini Martini – Colorful, tropical and full of explosive flavor.
• Lime Drop Martini – A tart, sweet and tangy citrusy sipper.
• Blueberry Martini – A fruity and decadent indulgence.