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Spring Elderflower Shrub Cocktail Recipe with Easy Cucumber Foam for Busy Weeknights

spring elderflower shrub cocktail - featured image
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A fresh, light, and elegant cocktail featuring a tart elderflower shrub syrup topped with a pillowy cucumber foam, perfect for quick and impressive weeknight drinks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup fresh elderflowers or ⅓ cup elderflower cordial
  • ½ cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup (100g) sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • 2 oz (60ml) gin or vodka
  • ¾ oz (22ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz (30ml) elderflower shrub syrup
  • 3–4 oz (90-120ml) soda water
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh cucumber juice
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) simple syrup
  • 1 large egg white or 3 tbsp aquafaba
  • 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Make the elderflower shrub syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat gently over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and add fresh elderflowers or elderflower cordial. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture cool and steep for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
  2. Prepare the cucumber foam: Juice or blend cucumber, then strain to get smooth cucumber juice. In a mixing bowl, combine cucumber juice, simple syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Add egg white or aquafaba. Using an electric mixer or handheld frother, whip until soft peaks form—about 3-4 minutes. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
  3. Build the cocktail: Fill a shaker with ice. Add 2 oz gin or vodka, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz elderflower shrub syrup. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and combine. Strain into your glass filled with fresh ice.
  4. Top with soda water and cucumber foam: Pour 3-4 oz soda water over the cocktail. Spoon or gently layer the cucumber foam on top, creating a light, airy cap. Garnish with a thin cucumber ribbon or lemon twist if desired.

Notes

Make the elderflower shrub syrup in advance to save time; it keeps refrigerated for up to two weeks. Use aquafaba as a vegan substitute for egg white in the cucumber foam. Serve immediately after topping with foam to maintain texture. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste. Fresh lemon juice is recommended for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: elderflower shrub, cucumber foam, spring cocktail, easy cocktail, weeknight drink, refreshing cocktail, floral cocktail, vegan cocktail option

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/spring-elderflower-shrub-cocktail-recipe-with-easy-cucumber-foam-for-busy-weeknights/