Elderflower Last Word Cocktail Recipe

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Elderflower Last Word Nutrition Facts

Calories:163

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:11g

Alcohol %:27

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Elderflower Last Word is a delightful twist on the classic Last Word cocktail. The original Last Word, a gin-based cocktail, was first served in Detroit, United States, around 1916. The Elderflower version, however, is a more recent invention, gaining popularity in the 21st century as elderflower liqueur became more widely available. This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy floral and herbaceous flavors in their drinks.

How Elderflower Last Word Tastes?

The Elderflower Last Word is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and floral notes. The elderflower liqueur adds a sweet, fragrant touch, while the gin provides a strong, herbaceous backbone. The lime juice adds a tangy freshness, and the chartreuse gives it a complex, botanical finish.

Interesting facts about Elderflower Last Word

  • The Elderflower Last Word is a variation of the Last Word, a Prohibition-era cocktail.
  • Elderflower liqueur is made from the small, white flowers of the elderberry bush.
  • Chartreuse, one of the ingredients, is a French liqueur made by the Carthusian Monks since 1737.

Ingredients

A few good options for Elderflower Last Word are:

  • Tanqueray Gin
  • No. 3 London Dry Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

The juniper-led spirit is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a crisp and aromatic complexity. 0.75oz is perfect to not overpower the delicate elderflower and chartreuse. Without gin, you’d miss the depth; it would be like a garden without flowers! You could sub in vodka if you're scared of botanicals, but you'd lose some character.

Alex Green

Elderflower Liqueur

Sweet, floral, and subtly fruity, this liqueur gives the cocktail a delightful fragrance. It's like a spring breeze in your glass. Too much, though, and it's cloying. Too little and why bother mentioning elderflower at all? St-Germain is a popular choice, but any elderflower liqueur will do.

Mary Mitkina

Green Chartreuse

This herbal liqueur is the mystery guest - complex and slightly sweet with a spicy kick. 0.75oz adds just enough intrigue without turning the drink into a herbal punch in the face. No Chartreuse? Then you have an Elderflower Sour, not an Elderflower Last Word. Yellow Chartreuse could step in for a milder, sweeter edge.

Emma Rose

Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice is crucial; it’s the zesty, vibrant soul of the drink. It cuts through the sweetness and brings balance. More and you’ll pucker up; less, and the drink is flat. Bottled juice? In the name of all that is holy, squeeze the lime yourself! Remember, it's all about that fresh zing.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Elderflower Last Word Drink

  1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to shake the cocktail until it's well chilled. This not only cools the drink but also helps to properly mix the ingredients.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese & Appetizers

Soft Goat Cheese: The floral notes from the Elderflower liqueur and the botanicals in gin complement the tangy creaminess of goat cheese.

Seafood Ceviche: The citrus from the lime juice and the herby chartreuse in the cocktail will enhance the fresh and zesty flavors of a ceviche.

Desserts

Lemon Tart: The tartness of the dessert pairs seamlessly with the citrusy lime juice in the drink.

Dark Chocolate: A piece of bittersweet dark chocolate can contrast nicely with the herbaceous and floral elements of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Elderflower Last Word

  • If you can't find elderflower liqueur, you can use a floral syrup or cordial.
  • If you don't have green chartreuse, you can use yellow chartreuse or another herbal liqueur.

Explore all drinks starting with E here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoked Elderflower Last Word

  • Substitute regular gin with a smoked gin.
  • Follow the original recipe.
  • Description: This twist adds a layer of smoky complexity, reminiscent of a wisp of bonfire weaving through a flower field.

Spicy Elderflower Last Word

  • Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker.
  • Muddle the jalapeño before adding the other ingredients.
  • Follow the original recipe.
  • Description: The infusion of chili heat brings a feisty zing to the cocktail, offering a passionate dance between spice and floral sweetness.

Elderflower Last Word Royale

  • Prepare the original cocktail, then top with Champagne.
  • Description: By crowning the cocktail with effervescent Champagne, it becomes a more celebratory, toasting-ready option, lifting the botanical and floral notes to a bubbly new height.

In case you forgot basics how to make Elderflower Last Word

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Elderflower Last Word

What are some popular cocktails made with elderflower liqueur?

Some popular elderflower cocktails include the Elderfashioned, Elderflower Spritz, and the Elderflower Martini.

Is there any difference in taste between green and yellow chartreuse?

Yes, there is a difference. Green Chartreuse is more pungent and has a stronger herbal flavor, while Yellow Chartreuse is sweeter and milder.

What other types of alcohol can be mixed with elderflower liqueur?

Elderflower liqueur pairs well with many types of alcohol, including vodka, champagne, and white wine.

Can the Elderflower Last Word be made without alcohol?

While the alcohol provides most of the flavor, a non-alcoholic version can be made using elderflower syrup and limeade.

How should I store Elderflower Liqueur?

Elderflower Liqueur should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Refrigeration after opening is recommended.

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