Cucumber Elderflower Spritz Mocktail
A sophisticated, refreshing mocktail featuring crisp cucumber and delicate elderflower syrup, brightened with fresh lime and topped with sparkling water for a perfect balance of botanical flavors and effervescence.
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.