{This post is sponsored by Ball® Fresh Preserving}
This elderberry cocktail recipe is a festive and delicious way to celebrate fall! Made with elderberry syrup, it even has some health benefits as well. It’s the perfect foraged holiday cocktail!
Ball® Flute Jars
This elderberry syrup cocktail is perfect when served in beautiful Ball® Flute jars!
I often serve drinks and cocktails in Ball® Jars, and these Flute Jars are one of my favorites. I made Calendula Iced Tea in these same jars last spring!
Ball® Flute Jars make for a gorgeous and festive presentation, especially during the holidays. As a Ball® Canning Ambassador, I’m always proud to show off these awesome jars!
Elderberry Cocktail Recipe
This elderberry cocktail recipe is so easy to make, especially if you already have elderberry syrup on hand!
Make the Elderberry Syrup
The first thing you will need for this recipe is elderberry syrup. See my approved Ball® Fresh Preserving Elderberry Syrup recipe to learn how to make it yourself!
Once you have the syrup made, then this cocktail comes together quickly and easily!
Make the Elderberry Cocktail
This elderberry cocktail only requires three ingredients! Elderberry syrup, vodka, and sparkling water.
In each Ball® Flute Jar, put 1-2 tablespoons of elderberry syrup.
Then add 3-4 ice cubes to the jar and pour in a shot of vodka (more or less as desired).
The final step is to top off the jar with sparkling water, and that’s all there is to it!
Give it a stir if you wish to combine, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or some fresh herbs. A few sprigs of thyme would be nice, or a bit of mint.
This elderberry cocktail is so delicious and even has some health benefits from the elderberry syrup. It’s a good way to imbibe while also boosting your immune system!
Elderberry Cocktail Substitutions
There are several different ways you can change up this elderberry cocktail to make it your own. It’s a pretty versatile recipe!
If you’d like an elderberry mocktail instead of a cocktail, all you need to do is omit the vodka!
Instead of sparkling water, you could use ginger ale or tonic water for a little more flavor if you prefer. You could also add a squeeze of lemon or lime to brighten it up!
If vodka isn’t your favorite, feel free to use gin or even whiskey for a different twist!
More Festive Fall Cocktails
Here are more of my favorite festive fall cocktails!
- Rosemary Champagne Cocktail with Blood Orange
- Persimmon Champagne Cocktail with Sage
- Pomegranate Martini with Rosemary
- Rose Hip Whiskey Smash
Elderberry Cocktail
Equipment
- Ball® Flute Jars
Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp elderberry syrup
- 1.5 ounce vodka or another spirit
- 12 ounces sparkling water more or less to taste
- cinnamon stick or fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Put the elderberry syrup in a jar or cocktail glass.
- Add 3-4 ice cubes to the jar and pour in a shot (1.5 ounces) of vodka (more or less as desired).
- Pour in the sparkling water and give it a stir with a cocktail spoon.
- Add garnishes if desired and serve.
Notes
- If you’d like an elderberry mocktail instead of a cocktail, all you need to do is omit the vodka!
- Instead of sparkling water, you could use ginger ale or tonic water for a little more flavor if you prefer. You could also add a squeeze of lemon or lime to brighten it up!
- If vodka isn’t your favorite, feel free to use gin or even whiskey for a different twist!
I found that on rinsing the elderberries, the green ones floated to the top and we’re easily skimmed out. I added in star anise, juniper berries
as well. Great recipe.
This is great, in my city the season is over, but next year I will have one experience and one more pleasure.