Elderflower cocktails

Olana | The Elderflower Blossom

This fragrant, fruity-floral cocktail made with pureed strawberry and lychee, Stoli Blackberi and St. Germain might be designed as an aperitif, but the thick, almost creamy texture and robust flavor makes it seem like a meal in itself. The lychee provides the drink with body, a gummy texture and an earthy sweetness; the elderflower balances the strawberry’s acidity for a mellow taste resembling spiked fruit punch. “It has a floral bouquet sensibility,” says assistant general manager Colleen Hickey, who had her first encounter with elderflower liqueur more than a year ago when she was working at the Pegu Club. “The spirit had just debuted and [Pegu Club owner] Audrey Saunders loved it. When you have someone like her take it seriously, people take notice.” (Price: $13)

Verdict: 5 stars
It’s not just the deep ruby color, perfumey aroma and whole lychee bobbing at the bottom that make this libation attractive: The full-bodied berry flavor is consistent and smooth the whole way through.

Olana (72 Madison Ave., 212-125-4900)