Chamomile Elderflower Tom Collins

A Chamomile Elderflower Tom Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic gin-and-lemon cocktail. Fresh lemon juice, bubbly club soda and gin keep it bright, while elderflower liqueur and chamomile-infused honey syrup add delicate floral notes.

About the Tom Collins

The Tom Collins became popular in the late 19th century and appeared in print in Jerry Thomas’ Bartenders Guide in 1876. Its traditional combination of gin, lemon, sugar and club soda is simple to prepare and has a lively, lemonade-like character.

This version replaces the usual sugar with chamomile honey syrup and adds elderflower liqueur. For the freshest flavor, squeeze the lemon just before mixing and chill the club soda before serving.

Chamomile Elderflower Tom Collins — serves 1

• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. elderflower liqueur
• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. chamomile honey syrup
• Club soda, to top
• Honey and chamomile flowers, for serving

How to Make Chamomile Honey Syrup

This syrup uses a 3:1 ratio of honey to water. The water loosens the honey so it mixes more easily into a drink, while the high proportion of honey preserves its full flavor.

1. Combine 12 oz. honey and 4 oz. water in a pot. Add 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers. Chamomile tea bags can be used instead, though dried flowers provide a pronounced floral flavor.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
4. Pour it through a fine strainer into a bowl to remove the flowers.

Allow the syrup to cool before adding it to the cocktail. Straining it thoroughly helps keep flower pieces out of the finished drink.

How to Make the Cocktail

Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice and chamomile honey syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, then strain into a serving glass. Top with club soda and add honey or chamomile flowers as desired.

A Collins or highball glass is the traditional choice. A different glass can also be used; choose one with enough room for ice and soda. Add the club soda after shaking to preserve its fizz.

Flavor and Serving Tips

Honey gives this drink a little more sweetness than a traditional Tom Collins, while chamomile contributes a gentle herbal, floral quality. Elderflower liqueur complements those notes, and lemon juice balances them with acidity.

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a tarter drink, use less syrup; add a little more if you want it sweeter.
• Keep it sparkling: Top with chilled club soda just before serving.
• Measure the syrup: Use 3/4 oz. in the cocktail for the recipe’s intended balance.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the syrup

• 12 oz. honey
• 4 oz. water
• 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers

For one cocktail

• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. elderflower liqueur
• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. chamomile honey syrup
• Club soda
• Honey and chamomile flowers, for serving

Instructions

1. To make the syrup, combine the honey, water and chamomile flowers in a pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat and cool completely. Strain through a fine strainer.
2. To make the cocktail, add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and chamomile honey syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass.
3. Top with club soda and garnish with honey or chamomile flowers, if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Natalie.