Valentine’s Gin Cocktails with Rhubarb & Elderflower Gin
Elegant, floral and easy rhubarb gin cocktails to make at home for Valentine’s Day.
If you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s night in, cocktails can turn it into something truly special.
And if you want drinks that feel elegant, fresh and just a little bit fancy, our Rhubarb and Elderflower gin is the ultimate bottle to build around. It’s naturally fragrant, lightly sweet, and gives cocktails a beautiful blush-pink glow that looks incredible in a coupe glass.
In this post we’re sharing two standout Valentine’s gin cocktails to make at home:
- Rhubarb & Elderflower Collins (refreshing, easy, crowd-pleaser)
- Rhubarb French 75 (sparkling, celebratory, perfect for date night)
Why Rhubarb & Elderflower Gin Works So Well in Cocktails
This flavour combo is basically designed for romantic serves.
Rhubarb brings:
- a tart fruit brightness
- subtle berry-like notes
- a gorgeous pink hue
Elderflower brings:
- floral perfume
- soft sweetness
- that “cocktail bar” vibe with minimal effort
Together, they make cocktails taste:
- refreshing instead of heavy
- elevated instead of overly sweet
- perfect for pairing with dessert or a Valentine’s dinner
The Best Rhubarb & Elderflower Gin Cocktails for Valentine’s Day
1) Rhubarb & Elderflower Collins
A Collins is one of the easiest cocktails to master at home — and this rhubarb & elderflower version is light, romantic, and ridiculously drinkable.
It’s ideal if you want something that feels special but not too strong, with a fresh citrus hit and a floral finish.
Ingredients
- 50ml Manchester Gin - Rhubarb & Elderflower
- 25ml Lemon juice
- 10-15ml Sugar syrup (or elderflower cordial instead for extra floral notes)
- Top with soda water
Method
- Add gin, lemon juice and syrup/cordial to a shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly.
- Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
Garnish (Valentine’s-ready)
- Lemon slice + mint sprig OR
- edible flower OR
- ribbon of rhubarb (if you want something really premium)
Glassware
-
Highball
Valentine’s tip: Add one or two frozen raspberries or pomegranate seeds into the glass for a blush pink look without changing the flavour too much.
2) Rhubarb French 75 (The “Champagne Cocktail” for Valentine’s)
If you want a cocktail that feels like a celebration, the French 75 is the move.
Traditionally made with gin + lemon + sugar + Champagne, it becomes even more romantic when made with our Rhubarb & Elderflower gin — floral, sparkling, and perfectly balanced.
This is the cocktail to make when you want:
- a “first drink” for the evening
- an impressive date-night serve
- a drink that looks incredible in photos
Ingredients
- 40ml Manchester Gin - Rhubarb & Elderflower
- 15-10ml Lemon juice
- 10ml Sugar syrup
- Top with Prosecco or Champagne
Method
- Add gin, lemon juice and syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly.
- Double strain into a chilled flute or coupe.
- Top with prosecco or champagne.
Garnish
-
Lemon twist
(or add an edible flower for the ultimate Valentine’s finish)
Glassware
-
Flute or Coupe
Valentine’s tip: If you want it slightly pinker, add 5ml rhubarb syrup OR a tiny dash of grenadine (go easy — this is mainly for colour).
How to Make These Cocktails Look “Instagram-Worthy”
Rhubarb & elderflower cocktails naturally look elegant, but presentation is everything on Valentine’s Day.
Easy upgrades:
- Use coupes or Nick & Nora glasses (instant luxury)
- Add edible flowers (white/pink/purple)
- Use a long lemon twist over the glass (express oils!)
- Serve on a tray with candles + berries
- Use clear ice for the Collins
What to Serve with Rhubarb & Elderflower Gin Cocktails
These pair best with lighter, fresher foods (rather than heavy spicy dishes):
- salmon starter / smoked salmon blinis
- goat cheese & honey crostini
- chicken with lemon/herbs
- raspberry or lemon desserts
- white chocolate (surprisingly great with elderflower)
Rhubarb & Elderflower Cocktail FAQs
Is rhubarb and elderflower gin a “pink gin”?
Not officially — but it often looks pink in cocktails, and it performs the same role:
- fruity/floral flavour
- pink/blush cocktail appearance
- perfect for Valentine’s serves
What’s the easiest cocktail to make with rhubarb & elderflower gin?
The Rhubarb & Elderflower Collins:
- simple ingredients
- low effort
- super refreshing
- easy to batch if you’re making multiple drinks
What tonic goes best with rhubarb & elderflower gin?
If you want a G&T variation:
- classic Indian tonic for clean balance
- elderflower tonic for extra floral sweetness
- light tonic if you want it less bitter
Final Valentine’s Hosting Tip
If you’re doing two cocktails in one evening:
- Start with the Rhubarb French 75 (sparkling celebration welcome drink)
- Follow with the Collins while cooking / chatting (lighter + longer drink)
You may also like: