Little Eli Cocktail recipe
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Little Eli is a bright, easy-drinking highball that sits firmly in the colourful liqueur-and-mixer tradition: a simple build designed for bold flavour and instant visual appeal. With aniseed liqueur and blue curaçao doing the heavy lifting, it reads like a playful, modern party drink rather than a storied classic—more about punchy aromatics and a striking hue than cocktail lore.
You’ll find the aniseed liqueur brings a distinctive, perfumed licorice character that leads from the first sip, while blue curaçao adds a sweet orange-citrus note that softens the edges and keeps things lively. Topped with lemonade, the drink turns long and sparkling, with the lemonade’s sweetness and fizz stretching both liqueurs into a lighter, more refreshing finish.
Serve it ice-cold in a highball when you want something fun, uncomplicated, and crowd-friendly. It suits casual get-togethers, themed nights, or any moment where you want a drink that looks as bold as it tastes—especially if you’re into aromatic, sweet-leaning flavours with a citrus lift.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Aniseed liqueur leads with a bold licorice snap, blue curaçao adds candied orange sweetness, and the lemonade top-up brings fizzy lemon lift that turns the whole drink into a bright, syrupy citrus-anise highball. It works because the lemonade’s acidity and bubbles lighten the liqueurs while the orange notes bridge into the anise, making it ideal for fans of sweet, punchy, low-effort builds.
Method
How to make a Little Eli
- Aniseed liqueur 30ml, Blue curaçao 30ml, Lemonade Top up
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- Pour a shot of Bols blue curaçao and a shot of Pernod into a highball glass with ice
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- Top up the glass with lemonade
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- Stir and serve
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FAQ's
Can I substitute the aniseed liqueur in the Little Eli cocktail?
Yes, if you don't have aniseed liqueur, you can substitute it with sambuca or ouzo to maintain the anise flavor profile. These substitutes may slightly alter the taste but will keep the spirit of the Little Eli intact.
What garnishes work well with the Little Eli?
For the Little Eli, consider garnishing with a lemon twist or a few blueberries to complement its refreshing and colorful appearance. These garnishes will enhance the visual appeal and add a subtle aroma.
What is the ideal serving suggestion for the Little Eli cocktail?
The Little Eli should ideally be served in a highball glass, topped with chilled lemonade. Serving it cold enhances its refreshing qualities, making it a perfect drink for warm weather or a summer party.
What occasions are best suited for serving the Little Eli?
The Little Eli, with its vibrant color and refreshing taste, is perfect for summertime gatherings, pool parties, or as a vibrant addition to a cocktail menu at a themed event. Its eye-catching appearance and light alcohol content make it a great choice for casual sipping.
How does the alcohol content in Little Eli compare to other cocktails?
With a 5.5% alcohol content, the Little Eli is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to classic cocktails, which often range from 10% to 50% alcohol by volume. This makes Little Eli a lighter option, ideal for those seeking a less potent beverage.
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