Elderflower Collins

The Elderflower Collins is a twist on the Vodka Collins, which is a variation of a classic Tom Collins. It can be made with gin or vodka. Our recipe for an Elderflower Collins uses vodka.

The Elderflower Collins mixes vodka, lemon juice, elderflower cordial and soda water. Where Collins drinks usually include simple syrup as their sweetener, the sweetness for the Elderflower Collins comes from the elderflower cordial.

The Elderflower Collins, like all Collins drinks, is a built drink, which means everything is made within the glass without the need for shaking or blending etc.

“You’ve got the fresh flavor of the elderflower that’s nicely sweetened, with fresh citrus juice that balances it out and Absolut Vodka enhancing everything, topped with soda water,” shares Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

With just one sip, you’ll experience delicate floral notes, the gentle sweetness of elderflower cordial, and vibrant, zesty citrus flavors. The lively bubbles enhance the drink, providing a clean finish.

To get a sense of the Elderflower Collins’ history, we need to first check out its predecessors: the Tom Collins and the Vodka Collins.

The origins of the Tom Collins are somewhat debated, but it is generally believed to have been invented in London in the 1870s. The Vodka Collins emerged almost a century later, first appearing in print in the early 1960s.

While the exact creation date of the Elderflower Collins is undocumented, it is thought to have been developed in the early 2000s.

• Always Opt for Fresh Lemon Juice
  If there’s one thing a Collins drink should be, it’s crisp and citrusy. To ensure your drink tastes as fresh and bright as possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Grab a few lemons and start squeezing – store-bought bottled lemon juice just isn’t the same.
• Add Simple Syrup
  If you prefer your Elderflower Collins to be sweeter, add 10 ml of simple syrup when making your drink.
• Soda Water
  While you can use tap water and carbonate it with a sparkling water maker (also known as a soda maker or soda machine) to create soda water, for a truly crisp and bubbly Collins, consider using your favorite brand of bottled soda water. These small details make a big difference to your drink.

• Use Gin
  Follow the recipe on this page but simply swap vodka for gin. Gin is the original base spirit in a classic Tom Collins and the juniper notes from the gin marry perfectly with elderflower.
• Tom Collins
  The original, the classic. The Tom Collins is one of the most beloved cocktails, mixing gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water. Perfectly timeless, discover the recipe for a Tom Collins.
• Vodka Collins
  The Vodka Collins is a Tom Collins made with vodka instead of gin. It’s a classic. Check out the recipe for a Vodka Collins.
• Raspberry Collins
  This variation of a Vodka Collins swaps original Absolut Vodka for Absolut Raspberri and adds black raspberry liqueur for a delicious berry twist on a classic Collins. See how to make a Raspberry Collins.
• Flavored Vodka
  Take inspiration from the Raspberry Collins above and choose another Absolut flavored vodka to create your own Collins! Try Absolut Citron for a lemony Collins, Absolut Watermelon for a juicy watermelon-inspired Collins, or Absolut Mango for a tropical twist on a Collins. Mix it up!

• Being that the Elderflower Collins is a Collins drink, we recommend serving it in a Collins glass or a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
• For garnishing your drink, we suggest adding a lemon wheel or two. Place them in your drink and gently press down with a bar spoon. Additionally, place an umbel of elderflower in your glass to accentuate the elderflower cordial.
• If you prefer, you could garnish your drink with a couple of cucumber slices instead of or together with lemon wheels to emphasize the freshness of your drink.
• If you want to garnish your drink more like a traditional Tom Collins, you can also skewer a maraschino cherry.