Ever wonder what an English summer tastes like? This Pear, Elderflower and Cucumber Fizz wraps it up in a glass: fresh, floral, and green.
It is exactly what you’d expect to find on a silver tray circulating around a royal garden party.
This recipe accentuates the subtle flavor of a pear without over-powering it with other ingredients.
The sweet acacia notes of the elderflower and the crisp herbaceous character of the cucumber are in complete harmony with the fruit. These flavors were made for each other.
This mocktail is classy enough to be served at a wedding reception, and easy enough to shake up in a matter of minutes, making it the perfect drink for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 oz. (90 ml) pear juice
- 1 oz. (30 ml) cucumber juice (approximately 3-4 inches of a cucumber)
- ½ oz. (15 ml) elderflower cordial
- ½ oz. (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime (approximately half a lime)
- 3 oz. (90 ml) soda water or sparkling water
- Fresh mint sprig and/or piece of pear, for garnish (optional)
- Ice
Equipment
- Knife
- Juicer or immersion blender
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Cocktail shaker
- Citrus juicer
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail spoon
- Highball glass
Instructions
- First, juice the cucumber. If you don’t have a juicer, you can use an immersion blender (hand blender) instead – see steps 2-4.
- Peel the cucumber and roughly slice into slices.
- Use an immersion blender to liquidize the cucumber.
- Pour the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to separate the juice from the flesh.
- Next, assemble the mocktail.
- Combine the pear juice, cucumber juice, elderflower cordial, and freshly squeezed lime juice into the cocktail shaker.
- Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice and a couple of cucumber slices.
- Top with soda water or sparkling water and stir gently with a cocktail spoon.
- Garnish with a piece of pear, or fresh sprig of mint.
Bonus health benefit: Cucumbers are nutrient-rich in vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium plus are packed with antioxidants. One more reason to reach for that cocktail shaker!
Similar Mocktails
If you liked the Garden Party, check out:
- Strawberry Fields: Berry and Cucumber Non-Alcoholic Martini
- Rosemary Thyme Out: Non-Alcoholic Citrus and Herb Cooler
Pear, Elderflower, and Cucumber Fizz FAQ
Can I use bottled pear juice for this recipe?
Yes. I use good quality bottled pear juice for this recipe. If you have access to ripe pears and a juicer, fresh pear juice would be equally, if not more, delicious.
What is elderflower cordial, and where can I find it?
Elderflower cordial is a sweet and floral syrup made from elderflowers. You can find it in specialty food stores, some grocery stores, or online.
Can I use regular water instead of sparkling water?
Yes, you can use regular water instead of sparkling water for this recipe but it will give the mocktail more of a juice-like character.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
If you want to get ahead, you can juice the cucumber ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the mocktail just before serving to keep it fresh and fizzy.
Can I use a different type of juice instead of pear juice?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of juice such as apple or white grape juice, but it may alter the flavor profile of the mocktail.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint for garnish?
No, it is not recommended to use dried mint as a garnish. The aroma and appearance of fresh mint is best. If you don’t have any fresh mint, use a cucumber, pear or garnish instead.
Can I adjust the amount of elderflower cordial used in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of elderflower cordial based on how sweet and floral you like the drink. Be careful not to add too much as it may overpower the other flavors in the mocktail.
Can I make a larger batch of this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can multiply the ingredients to make a larger batch of the mocktail for a crowd. To save time, you can skip the cocktail shaker and assemble all ingredients in a jug instead. You can add cucumber slices and lime slices to the punch bowl or serving jug to jazz up the presentation too.
Did you make this? Tag me @mightymocktail or use the hashtag #mightymocktail!