There’s something magical about that first sip of a perfectly balanced, ice-cold drink on a warm day. The Cucumber Elderflower Spritz Mocktail delivers exactly that refreshing escape we all crave, without the alcohol. This elegant yet simple concoction combines the crisp, cooling qualities of cucumber with the delicate floral notes of elderflower in a drink that’s sophisticated enough for special occasions yet easy enough for everyday indulgence.
I discovered this gem when looking for something special to serve at a garden party, and it’s been my go-to crowd-pleaser ever since.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes the Cucumber Elderflower Spritz Mocktail stand out is its perfect balance of botanical complexity and refreshing simplicity. Unlike many mocktails that rely on excessive sweetness to compensate for the absence of alcohol, this drink celebrates fresh, bright flavors. The elderflower syrup provides a subtle sweetness with sophisticated floral notes that pair beautifully with cucumber’s garden-fresh quality.
It’s incredibly versatile – elegant enough for a baby shower or wedding, yet refreshing enough for a post-gardening reward. As someone who’s experimented with countless mocktail recipes, I appreciate how this drink offers a grown-up flavor profile that won’t leave you missing the alcohol. Plus, it comes together in minutes with ingredients that are increasingly easy to find.
The visual appeal alone – that gorgeous pale green hue with floating cucumber ribbons – makes it an instant conversation starter.
Equipment needed: Vegetable peeler, muddler or wooden spoon, cocktail shaker or jar, fine mesh strainer, tall glasses
Cucumber Elderflower Spritz Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber plus extra slices for garnish
- 4 oz 120ml elderflower syrup or cordial (such as Belvoir or Ikea’s DRYCK FLÄDER)
- 2 oz 60ml fresh lime juice (approximately 2 limes)
- 16 oz 480ml sparkling water or club soda
- 1 cup ice cubes plus extra for serving
- Fresh mint sprigs for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon agave nectar or simple syrup if you prefer additional sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Using a vegetable peeler, create long ribbons from half the cucumber. Set these aside for garnish. Roughly chop the remaining cucumber into chunks.
- Muddle the cucumber: Place the cucumber chunks in a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently crush the cucumber to release its refreshing juices and flavor.
- Add the liquid ingredients: Pour the elderflower syrup and lime juice into the shaker with the muddled cucumber. If using additional sweetener, add it now.
- Add ice and shake vigorously: Add about a cup of ice to the shaker and shake for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and cold.
- Strain into glasses: Fill four tall glasses with fresh ice. Strain the mixture evenly into each glass, filling them about halfway.
- Top with sparkling water: Slowly pour sparkling water into each glass, leaving about half an inch of room at the top. The ratio should be roughly 1 part cucumber-elderflower mixture to 1 part sparkling water.
- Garnish beautifully: Gently drape the reserved cucumber ribbons around the inside of each glass. Add a cucumber slice to the rim and tuck a sprig of fresh mint into each drink.
- Serve immediately: Give each drink a gentle stir before serving to combine the flavors while maintaining the effervescence.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, use English cucumbers (the long, thin-skinned ones) rather than regular waxy cucumbers.
- Elderflower syrup can be found in many specialty food stores, IKEA, or online. St. Germain (an elderflower liqueur) can be used in small amounts for a more authentic flavor if serving to adults who don’t mind trace alcohol.
- This mocktail can be prepped ahead by making the cucumber-elderflower base up to 4 hours in advance and storing it covered in the refrigerator. Just add ice and sparkling water right before serving.
- For a party, consider freezing cucumber slices in ice cubes for an elegant presentation that won’t dilute your drink.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 75-85 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 20g (primarily from the elderflower syrup)
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: Minimal (varies based on sparkling water used)
- Dietary notes: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, alcohol-free
- Allergen information: Free from all major allergens
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-muddling the cucumber: Crush gently to release flavors without creating a bitter taste from the skin.
- Using too much elderflower syrup: It’s quite sweet and floral – start with less and adjust to taste.
- Adding sparkling water too quickly: Pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles.
- Making too far in advance: The cucumber-elderflower mixture can be prepped ahead, but add sparkling water just before serving to maintain effervescence.
- Forgetting to taste and adjust: Elderflower products vary in sweetness between brands, so always taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- For elderflower syrup: Use 2-3 tablespoons of honey mixed with a few drops of rose water, or try lychee syrup for a different floral note.
- For cucumber: Honeydew melon works surprisingly well, offering a similar refreshing quality with a slightly sweeter profile.
- For sparkling water: Ginger ale creates a spicier, sweeter version, while coconut water makes for a tropical variation (though without the bubbles).
- For lime juice: Lemon juice or a combination of lemon and grapefruit can provide a different citrus dimension.
- For mint garnish: Try basil, lemon verbena, or even a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- For a lower-sugar version: Use diet tonic water and reduce the elderflower syrup by half, supplementing with a non-nutritive sweetener if desired.
FAQs
Can I make this into an alcoholic cocktail?
Absolutely! This recipe converts beautifully to a cocktail by adding 1.5 oz of gin, vodka, or white rum per serving. For a lighter option, champagne or prosecco can replace half the sparkling water for a true “spritz” experience.
I can’t find elderflower syrup. What else can I use?
If elderflower proves elusive, try a combination of 3 tablespoons simple syrup infused with a jasmine or chamomile tea bag, plus a few drops of rose water. Alternatively, lychee syrup or a high-quality lemonade concentrate (reduced by half) can provide a similar sweet-floral balance.
Can I prepare a large batch for a party?
Yes, the cucumber-elderflower base can be made in large quantities up to 4 hours ahead. Multiply the ingredients (except sparkling water) and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, distribute the base into glasses and top each with fresh sparkling water to preserve the effervescence.
My mocktail looks cloudy. Is that normal?
Some cloudiness is natural due to the cucumber particles. For a crystal-clear drink, double-strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth before serving, though you’ll lose some of the fresh cucumber essence.
How can I make this drink less sweet?
Reduce the elderflower syrup by half and increase the lime juice slightly. You can also use a mix of sparkling water and tonic water, as the bitterness of tonic balances the floral sweetness perfectly.
Can I freeze this as a slushie?
Yes! This makes a wonderful slushie. Combine all ingredients except sparkling water, freeze until slushy (about 2 hours), scraping with a fork occasionally. Serve topped with a splash of fresh sparkling water.
Final Thoughts
The Cucumber Elderflower Spritz Mocktail embodies everything a great non-alcoholic drink should be – sophisticated, refreshing, and satisfying. What I love most is how it celebrates the natural flavors of its ingredients rather than trying to mimic something else.
Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol entirely or just looking for a beautiful refreshment, this spritz delivers an experience that stands proudly on its own merits. Cheers to drinks that make us feel special, no matter the occasion!
