Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:20
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
The Sunflower cocktail is a delightful concoction that was first created in the early 20th century. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of floral undertones. The cocktail is named after the sunflower due to its bright, sunny color which is achieved by the combination of its ingredients.
The Sunflower cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and floral notes. The citrusy tang of the lemon juice is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur, while the gin adds a refreshing kick. The taste is light, refreshing, and pleasantly sweet.
A few good options for Sunflower are:
Gin acts as the backbone of the cocktail with its complex botanicals providing depth and character. The 2 oz serving is just right – not overpowering, but enough to make its presence felt. Without gin, you lose the soul of the cocktail, but if you're in a pinch, vodka can step in, albeit for a more neutral flavor profile.
Elderflower liqueur brings a sweet, floral note that is both exquisite and refreshing. 1 oz is the sweet spot to balance gin's robustness. No elderflower liqueur? You'll miss out on the sunflower's namesake charm; however, a dash of St. Germain could do the trick, adding similar floral elegance.
The zesty 1 oz of lemon juice cuts through the sweetness and adds a necessary citrus punch. Lemon juice brightens the drink, and forgetting it would leave the cocktail flat and overly sweet. In its absence, lime juice might work but expect a sharper, more tart drink.
0.5 oz of simple syrup provides just enough sweetness to harmonize the cocktail. Too much and it's cavity-inducing; too little and the tang overpowers. Honey syrup could be an alternative if you're after a richer, more earthy sweetness.
Top up with champagne and watch your cocktail effervesce with elegance. The champagne crowns the cocktail with bubbly gusto. Without it, you have a flat-tasting Sunflower; with too much, it becomes a boozy sparkler. Prosecco is a fine stand-in for a slightly sweeter fizz.
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
Explore all drinks starting with S here
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd 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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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 garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
The cocktail is called Sunflower due to its bright, sunny color which is achieved by the combination of its ingredients.
The Sunflower cocktail is a great choice for summertime gatherings or brunches due to its light, refreshing taste and beautiful presentation.
While lime juice can be used, it will alter the taste of the cocktail. The recipe calls for lemon juice to create the proper balance of sweet and sour flavors.
Yes, you can substitute the gin for a non-alcoholic gin, omit the elderflower liqueur or replace it with elderflower cordial, use lemonade instead of lemon juice and syrup, and use sparkling water instead of champagne.
Although traditionally the Sunflower cocktail is served in a champagne flute, you can serve it on the rocks. Just ensure that the glass is chilled to keep the cocktail cold longer.
The Cherry Blossom cocktail has a delicate, fruity, and floral taste. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of tartness from the cherry and citrus flavors. The floral notes from the elderflower liqueur add a touch of sophistication, while the gin provides a subtle, refreshing kick.
The Daiquiri Blossom is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The tartness of the lime juice is complemented by the sweetness of the simple syrup, while the elderflower liqueur adds a delicate, fragrant touch. The rum provides a smooth, warming base that ties everything together.
The Honey Bee cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The honey lends a rich, velvety sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a bright, tangy contrast. The rum adds warmth and depth, making this cocktail both refreshing and satisfying.
The Bearded Lady cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice creates a refreshing and zesty base, while the raspberry syrup adds a touch of sweetness. The egg white gives the drink a smooth and creamy texture, making it a well-rounded and satisfying cocktail.
The Fairy Belle cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The delicate balance of tartness from the lemon juice, sweetness from the elderflower liqueur, and the fruity notes from the raspberry syrup create a refreshing and enchanting taste. The gin adds a subtle herbal undertone, while the egg white gives the cocktail a smooth and velvety texture.
The Heavenly cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. It has a velvety texture with a hint of effervescence, making it both refreshing and indulgent. The taste is rich and complex, with notes of citrus, vanilla, and a subtle herbal undertone.
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
The Cucumber Martini is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a subtle hint of botanicals. It has a light, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The cucumber adds a cool, fresh flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin and the tanginess of the lemon.
The Swimming Pool cocktail has a sweet, fruity, and slightly creamy taste. It is not too strong, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer lighter cocktails. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and citrus flavors creates a refreshing and tropical experience.
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
The Kir Royale is a delightful, elegant, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It has a rich, fruity taste from the crème de cassis, complemented by the crisp, effervescent bubbles of the Champagne or sparkling wine.
The Mimosa has a refreshing, light, and fruity taste. It is slightly sweet with a hint of tartness from the orange juice, and the sparkling wine adds a bubbly effervescence.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
