We took inspiration from Leon Gasco, Bar Manager at Bar Antoine in London, and his Jardin Éphémère. A delicate, aromatic Champagne cocktail combining elderflower with pear and apple. For our version, we bring it closer to home, replacing the pear eau-de-vie with our Eau de Vie de Cidre, distilled from locally made cider.
The combination of elderflower liqueur and Williams pear eau-de-vie gives the cocktail a fragrant orchard character, while fresh apple juice adds acidity and fruit.
Two dashes of absinthe introduce a subtle herbal and aniseed note without dominating the drink. Dry Champagne provides freshness and length, with a final splash of soda keeping the cocktail light and crisp.
It is an elegant aperitif with a distinctly French character. Floral, fresh and gently aromatic rather than sweet.
Ease of Making: Easy
Glass Type: Coupe
- Taste: Floral, orchard fruit, aromatic, crisp and dry
Recipe:
- 35ml Elderflower Liqueur (St-Germain).
- 10ml good quality Apple Juice.
- 15ml Eau de vie de Cidre.
- 2 dashes Absinthe.
- Dry Champagne, to top.
- Splash of Soda Water.
- Apple fan to garnish.
Method:
- Add the elderflower liqueur, apple juice, Eau-de-vie and absinthe to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard for approximately six seconds.
- Double strain into a coupe glass.
- Top with dry Champagne.
- Finish with a small splash of soda water.
- Garnish with a fan of apple.
Variations:
- Try a dry English sparkling wine in place of Champagne.
- For a slightly drier serve, reduce the elderflower liqueur to 25ml and increase the eau-de-vie to 20ml.
