The Elderflower Margarita with Aperol will end your search for a refreshing, zesty drink to quench your thirst on a hot spring/summer day. Look no further than this margarita with a twist!
What is Elderflower and Elderflower Liqueur?
Elderflower refers to the small, white, and highly aromatic flowers that bloom on the elder tree (Sambucus nigra). The elder tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Europe, but it can also be found in some parts of North America and Asia.
The elderflower has been used for centuries in various culinary and medicinal applications. It has a delicate and sweet fragrance with floral and slightly fruity notes. Elderflower is often used to infuse beverages, create syrups, make teas, and flavor foods. It is especially popular in European cuisine and beverages.
One well-known use of elderflower is in the production of elderflower cordial or syrup, which is a sweet and refreshing drink. Additionally, elderflower is used to make elderflower liqueurs, such as St-Germain, which has gained popularity in cocktails and mixology.
The elderflower is also believed to have some health benefits. It has been traditionally used in herbal remedies to help with cold and flu symptoms, improve respiratory health, and act as a mild diuretic and laxative. However, as with any herbal remedy, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using elderflower for medicinal purposes.
Elderflower liqueur is a sweet and fragrant alcoholic beverage made by infusing elderflower blossoms in a base spirit, typically vodka or brandy, and then adding sugar to create a sweetened liqueur. The most well-known and widely available elderflower liqueur is “St-Germain,” named after the St-Germain-des-Prés area in Paris, where the recipe was originally created.
To make elderflower liqueur, elderflower blossoms are harvested at their peak when their aroma and flavor are most potent. These blossoms are then steeped in alcohol, allowing the flavors and aromas of the elderflower to infuse into the liquid. After the desired flavor has been achieved, the mixture is filtered to remove the solid particles, and sugar is added to sweeten the liqueur and balance the floral notes.
Elderflower liqueur is known for its delicate and captivating floral aroma, which is often described as being reminiscent of fresh flowers with subtle fruity and honey-like undertones. Its sweet and aromatic nature makes it a popular ingredient in cocktails, where it can add a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
The most common way to enjoy elderflower liqueur is in cocktails, such as the famous “Elderflower Martini” or the “Elderflower Spritz.” It can also be served on its own over ice as a digestif or used in various culinary applications to add a floral touch to desserts and other dishes. Now, this version, we are creating the elderflower margarita! Since elderflower is floral, we paired it with Aperol to bring down the floral notes and add tanginess.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is a popular Italian apéritif (a type of pre-dinner drink) known for its bright orange color and bittersweet flavor. It was created by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy, in 1919. Aperol is now owned by the Campari Group, which is also known for producing the iconic Campari liqueur.
The main ingredients in Aperol are bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, and various botanicals. The combination of these ingredients gives Aperol its distinctive taste, which is characterized by a refreshing bitterness balanced with sweet and citrusy notes. It has a lower alcohol content compared to spirits like vodka or whiskey, making it more suitable for lighter drinking occasions.
Aperol gained international popularity for its role in the classic Italian cocktail called the “Aperol Spritz.” The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and effervescent drink made by combining Aperol with Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine), a splash of soda water, and garnished with a slice of orange. It has become a beloved and trendy cocktail worldwide, especially during the warm summer months.
Aperol is also used in various other cocktails and can be enjoyed on its own over ice as an apéritif. Its popularity has grown in recent years, making it a staple in bars and liquor cabinets around the world, as people embrace its vibrant color and unique flavor profile.
Made with the classic combination of tequila and lime juice, this Margarita packs a punch with the addition of Aperol and elderflower liqueur. These two ingredients add a deliciously sweet and floral note to the drink, perfectly complementing the tangy lime juice. Add in the smoked lemon peel and the sour note will sing.
The Elderflower Margarita with Aperol
The lime juice provides a tart, citrusy flavor that is the backbone of any good margarita. It adds a zingy freshness that wakes up your taste buds and makes your mouth water for more. It is the perfect addition to the Elderflower Margarita to break apart some of the other strong flavors.
The tequila, on the other hand, brings a unique depth of flavor with its earthy, agave notes. It’s the perfect balance to the lime juice, adding a touch of warmth and complexity to the drink. The Elderflower margarita would be nothing without tequila!
Now, onto the Aperol. Aperol is an Italian bitter orange liqueur that has a distinct flavor profile. It’s slightly sweet with a bitter finish, which adds a pleasant depth to the Margarita. The bitterness also helps to balance out the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur in the Elderflower Margarita.
The elderflower has a sweet, floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients in the Margarita. It adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the lime juice.
Finally, let’s not forget the Smokeshow! We paired this Elderflower Margarita with Lemon Peel Smoke Dust to continue to bring out the tangy citrus vibes that are floating throughout the cocktail.
When all of these flavors come together, you get the Elderflower Margarita that is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor. The tequila and lime juice provide the foundation, while the Aperol and elderflower liqueur add a unique twist that takes this margarita to the next level. It’s sweet, tart, and bitter all at once, making it an unforgettable cocktail experience.
Aperol Margarita
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker
- 1 Butane Torch
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz lime juice
Garnish & Smoke
- 1 pinch Lemon Peel Smoke Dust
Instructions
Cocktail
- Combine all ingredietns into a cocktail shaker and shake with ice.1.5 oz tequila, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz elderflower liqueur, 1/2 oz lime juice
- Strain into glass.
Garnish & Smoke
- Place smoker on top of drink and smoke! Remove smoker and enjoy!1 pinch Lemon Peel Smoke Dust
