Elderflower Collins: An elegant classic with THORALM Dry Gin

A well-mixed cocktail always tells a story, and the Elderflower Collins is no exception. This drink combines the lightness of summer with the sophistication of a perfectly selected gin. With the THORALM Dry Gin, this cocktail is taken to a new level and becomes a highlight of every cocktail hour.

The Story of Elderflower Collins

The Elderflower Collins is a modern interpretation of the Tom Collins, a cocktail that was already popular in the 19th century. The Tom Collins itself is a classic long drink that originally consists of gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water. It is believed that the Tom Collins originated in London and quickly became famous around the world due to its simple but refreshing composition.

The Elderflower Collins takes this tradition to a new level. The addition of elderflower cordial, a sweet, slightly floral syrup, brings an extra dimension to the drink. Elderflowers have been known and appreciated in Europe for centuries, not only for their fragrance, but also for their use in syrups and liqueurs. The combination of elderflower and gin is particularly harmonious, as the floral notes of the syrup perfectly complement the botanical elements of the gin.

The recipe: Elderflower Collins

For the perfect Elderflower Collins we recommend using the THORALM Dry GinThis gin is characterized by its balanced composition of fresh citrus notes and spicy botanicals, which combine perfectly with the sweet aroma of elderflower syrup.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml THORALM Dry Gin
• 20 ml fresh lemon juice
• 15 ml elderflower syrup
• soda water for refilling
• ice cubes
• Lemon slice and elderflower (optional) for decoration

Preparation:

1. Fill in highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the THORALM Dry Gin, fresh lemon juice and elderflower syrup into the glass.
3. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Fill the glass with soda water.
5. Garnish the drink with a slice of lemon and, if available, a small elderflower.

This drink is not only refreshing, but also a real feast for the eyes. Its bright colors and delicate aromas make it a perfect companion for relaxed summer evenings or festive occasions.

aroma profile of the Elderflower Collins

The Elderflower Collins is a cocktail that impresses with its harmonious balance between floral, citrus and slightly sweet aromas. The taste profile is largely shaped by the elderflower syrup or liqueur, which gives the drink a sweet, floral note reminiscent of warm summer days. The THORALM Dry Gin brings a finely balanced mixture of fresh citrus notes and spicy botanicals that perfectly complement the floral character of the elderflower syrup. The addition of fresh lemon juice provides a refreshing acidity that balances the sweet and floral aroma and makes the drink pleasantly lively. Finally, the soda water gives the cocktail a slight tanginess that wonderfully rounds off the overall impression of the drink.

tasting notes

When you take your first sip of an Elderflower Collins, focus on the floral notes of the elderflower syrup, which immediately come to the fore. These are supported by the fresh acidity of the lemon juice, which gives the drink a pleasant liveliness. As you continue to enjoy the drink, you will notice the subtle flavors of the THORALM Dry Gin, which become a little more present with each sip. The gin brings a subtle spice and depth to the flavor profile, while the carbonation of the soda water keeps the flavors light and refreshing.

Pay attention to how the taste develops in the glass: while the first sip is dominated by the floral sweetness and acidity, as you continue to drink the complex notes of the gin become more prominent, adding an extra dimension to the drink. The final sip is often a beautiful blend of all these elements, with a gentle but distinct presence of the gin accompanying the floral and citrus flavors.

Techniques and tips for preparing the perfect Elderflower Collins

An Elderflower Collins may seem like a simple cocktail, but the right technique and a few tricks can make the difference between a good drink and a great one. Here are some tips and tricks to help you take your Elderflower Collins to the next level.

1. Choosing the right glass

The choice of glass has a significant impact on the drinking experience. For an Elderflower Collins, we recommend a highball glass. This tall, slim glass keeps the carbonation of the soda water longer and ensures that the drink remains nice and refreshing. Make sure the glass is well chilled before you start mixing - it's best to put it in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand.

2. Freshly squeezed lemon juice

The freshness of the ingredients is crucial. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of pre-made juice from a bottle. The taste is more lively and provides the necessary acidity that balances the drink. Squeeze the lemons immediately before preparation to preserve freshness.

3. High-quality ice cream

Ice is not just there to cool the drink - it also affects the consistency and taste. Use large, clear ice cubes that melt more slowly and therefore water down the drink less quickly. A tip: If you make ice cubes at home, boil the water first and let it cool. The resulting ice will be clearer and more aesthetically pleasing.

4. Stir the drink properly

Stirring a cocktail is an art in itself. With the Elderflower Collins, after adding the gin, lemon juice and elderflower syrup, you should gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients well without watering down the drink. It is best to use a long bar spoon and stir in a circular motion until the cocktail is well chilled.

5. How to dose soda water correctly

Soda water is a crucial ingredient in the Elderflower Collins. Make sure to add it at the very end and stir the drink gently after pouring to maintain the carbonation. Pour the soda water slowly so it distributes evenly without losing too much carbonation.

6. Decoration: Simple but effective

The garnish is the finishing touch to any cocktail. A slice of lemon and a fresh elderflower (if available) are classic garnishes for the Elderflower Collins. Make sure to slice the lemon slice thinly and place it on the rim of the glass. If you don't have fresh elderflower on hand, you can also use a small sprig of fresh mint, which will add an extra flavor to the drink.

7. Observe the correct order

The order in which the ingredients are added to the glass is important to ensure the flavors blend optimally. Start with the gin, then add the lemon juice and elderflower syrup. Stir everything well before filling the glass with ice. Only then add the soda water to loosen up the drink.

8. balance of flavors

The art of a good cocktail lies in balance. The Elderflower Collins thrives on the harmony between sweet, sour and bitter notes. If the drink is too sweet or too sour, you can play with the amount of elderflower syrup or lemon juice to find the perfect balance. Take your time to find the ratio that best suits your taste.

9. Pay attention to the temperature

An Elderflower Collins should be served ice cold. When preparing the ingredients, make sure everything is well chilled, including the gin and soda water. This will help keep the temperature of the cocktail down and prevent the ice from melting too quickly.

10. Experiment with flavors

While the classic Elderflower Collins stands beautifully on its own, don't be afraid to experiment a little. A dash of Angostura bitters can add an interesting depth to the drink, and a touch of cucumber or lavender as a garnish can enhance the floral notes and make the drink even more unique.

THORALM Dry Gin: The ideal base for your Elderflower Collins

Why THORALM Dry Gin? This gin was created with the idea of creating a perfect balance between traditional and modern flavors. Its fine citrus notes harmonize perfectly with the elderflower syrup, while the subtle spicy notes support and enhance the floral elements.

THORALM Dry Gin is not only an excellent base for an Elderflower Collins, but also a versatile gin that shines in many other cocktails. Its purity and depth make it the ideal choice for anyone who wants to take their cocktail creations to the next level.

Our conclusion

The Elderflower Collins is more than just a drink – it is a tribute to summer, elegance and the fine interplay of flavours. With THORALM Dry Gin This cocktail will be a treat that you and your guests will not soon forget. Try it and let yourself be enchanted by this floral, fresh classic.

 

Photo: DALL·E