This Elderflower Manhattan is a spring-forward twist on the classic-light, floral, and just a little unexpected. It keeps that rich, bourbon backbone but softens it with delicate elderflower and bright, slightly tart bitters. The result is elegant, balanced, and perfect for warmer days.

two elderflower manhattans in nick and. Nora glasses backlit on a floral tray.

This cocktail combines bourbon with elderflower liqueur, layered with rhubarb bitters and almond bitters for a drink that feels both classic and completely new. It's smooth, floral, and just sweet enough-like a Manhattan that decided to bloom.

And the finishing touch? A little floral sprig tied to the stem, which makes it feel extra special and very spring.

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⭐ WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Key Ingredients
How to make this cocktail:
💡 EXPERT TIPS
Elderflower Manhattan

⭐ WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Spring twist on a classic: Floral, bright, and still bourbon-forward.
Perfectly balanced: Light sweetness with depth from the bitters.
Elegant and simple: Just a few ingredients, big payoff.
Beautiful presentation: The floral garnish makes it feel elevated.

Key Ingredients

Bourbon: Four Roses Small Batch is a great choice-smooth and slightly fruity, which pairs beautifully with elderflower.
Elderflower Liqueur (St-Germain): Brings soft floral sweetness and a light, springy feel.
Rhubarb Bitters: Adds subtle tartness and brightness to balance the sweetness.
Almond Bitters: A hint of nuttiness that rounds everything out and adds depth.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make this cocktail:

All the ingredients in a mixing. glass with ice on a pick floral tray.

Step 1: Add the following to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled:
- 2 oz bourbon (Four Roses Small Batch recommended)
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
- 2 dashes rhubarb bitters (Fee Brothers)
- 1 dash almond bitters (Fee Brothers)

The strained cocktail in a nick and Nora glass with a white flower tied to the stem.

Step 2: Strain into a nick and nora glass with a little flower tied to the stem.

💡 EXPERT TIPS

Perfect for spring gatherings: It's a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser.

Tie the garnish in two places (top and bottom of the stem) to keep it secure and give that long, elegant look.

Use a lighter bourbon so the floral notes can really shine.

Chill your glass beforehand for the best texture and experience.

Elderflower Manhattan

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Author: Pate Giltner
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink 1x
Category: cocktail
Method: stirred
Cuisine: american

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Description

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 oz bourbon (Four Roses Small Batch recommended)
1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
2 dashes rhubarb bitters (Fee Brothers)
1 dash almond bitters (Fee Brothers)

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Instructions

Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with ice.

Step 2: Add:

2 oz bourbon (Four Roses Small Batch recommended)
1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
2 dashes rhubarb bitters (Fee Brothers)
1 dash almond bitters (Fee Brothers)

Step 3: Stir until well chilled.

Step 4: Strain into a coupe glass.

Garnish: Tie a small floral sprig to the stem.