Elderflower champagne recipe

Summer months are for outdoor get-togethers that are always made better by having our favourite tipple - elderflower champagne.

When it comes to summer tipples there are so many to choose from - gin and tonic, Pimms, Aperol spritz, a crisp glass of white or rosé wine. But one ingredient that is a must-have at least some point in the summer is elderflower. The sweet and floral ingredient adds a bit of excitement to summer cocktails. And while it goes great with gin, an elderflower champagne cocktail is essential in the summer. Elderflower champagne cocktails let you enjoy a glass of bubbly without the harsh finish that sometimes comes with fizz. The sweetness of the elderflower complements the fizz perfectly with some zest from the lemon too.

This elderflower champagne cocktail also calls for a shot of vodka to neutralise the strong flavours of the two main ingredients and to make this a bit of a heavier option. But if you want your elderflower champagne cocktail a bit less alcoholic feel free to skip the vodka - though be aware it will change the flavour. For a real treat with this elderflower champagne cocktail, use our recipe to make your own elderflower cordial (opens in new tab)!

Ingredients

• 30ml vodka
• 15ml elderflower cordial
• Champagne

To garnish:

• Lemon twist (made from lemon peel)

Method

1. Pour the vodka and elderflower cordial into a cocktail shaker and add some ice cubes.
2. Shake the ingredients and then strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
3. Top the drink with champagne and then add a twist of lemon to garnish.