This Elderflower Collins is an adaptation of the Tom Collins. The Elderflower Collins leaves out the simple syrup and instead combines gin with elderflower liqueur. This elderflower gin cocktail is essentially an alcoholic lemonade, perfect for hot summer evenings or any time you want a refreshing drink.
1ounceelderflower liqueurSt. Germain, for example.
1ouncelemon juice
2ouncesclub soda or seltzer water
1sliceorange or lemon for garnish
1maraschino cherryfor garnish
Instructions
If you want to layer the gin on top of the Collins, shake the elderflower liqueur and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. If you do not want a separate gin layer, include the gin with the liqueur and lemon juice.
Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with the club soda.
2 ounces club soda or seltzer water
To float a layer of Empress gin, pour the gin slowly over the back of a bar spoon laid bottom side up on top of the ice cubes.
2 ounces gin
Garnish with a lemon or orange wheel and a maraschino cherry (or a chive blossom, if you like)
1 slice orange or lemon, 1 maraschino cherry
Notes
Variations: to make a classic Tom Collins, use 2 ounces of gin, one half to 1 ounce of simple syrup and one half to 1 ounce of lemon juice, depending on your preference for sweet or tart.