PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Fifrelet de Merlet is the Merlet family’s elderflower liqueur, a lighter, fruitier alternative to the more perfumed elderflower liqueurs that dominate the category. Merlet is a family distillery in the Cognac region, known for its fruit liqueurs and eaux-de-vie, and this one follows a careful method: the delicate elderflowers are infused in a hot water infusion, like a tea, and the cooled infusion is stabilized with super-fine alcohol. It’s then blended with fruit infusions of pear and lychee macerated in super-fine alcohol. The wild elderflowers are hand-picked at their peak, and the finished liqueur is bottled at a gentle 18% ABV (36 proof).
The official notes describe a nose that is “very floral and fruity, with notes of pear and exotic fruit,” and a palate that is “round and complex, with a balance between petal-like tannins and fruit, and a tangy finish that adds liveliness.” Another description finds “fresh elderflower blossoms, white flowers, and citrus zest, accented by hints of pear and lychee,” with a palate of “ripe stone fruit, honey, and lemon peel,” and a finish that is “long, crisp, and elegantly floral with a touch of natural sweetness.” Bedford & Grove, the US importer, describes “a crisp wash of lemongrass and green tea,” a “breezy, delicate texture,” and “a vibrant, bright citrus zest finish.”
It’s worth being upfront about the style, since reviewers differ. Drinkhacker, tasting it among eight elderflower liqueurs, found it “sweet and quite peachy, with distinctly candied fruit notes and layers of honey,” and noted that “a lower abv keeps the spirit from becoming cloyingly sweet, with some sharp citrus and a touch of pineapple clinging to the finish,” adding that there’s “virtually no floral aspect to this liqueur at all, which may well be to some consumers’ liking. Fine in a spritz but not overly exuberant.” In other words, it’s the elderflower liqueur for people who find St-Germain too perfumed or too sweet: lighter, fruitier, and easier to sip. It works in a spritz with prosecco or sparkling wine, in a gin and tonic, a Collins, a vodka or gin cocktail, or simply over ice.
Merlet Fifrelet de Merlet Elderflower Liqueur is produced by Merlet in the Cognac region of Poitou-Charentes, France. Hand-picked elderflowers are infused in a hot water infusion, which is stabilized with super-fine alcohol and blended with pear and lychee infusions, then sweetened. Bottled at 18% ABV / 36 proof, 700ml.
No numerical critic score is published for this liqueur.
Drinkhacker (January 2026, tasting of eight elderflower liqueurs):
“Medium to light gold in hue, this liqueur is sweet and quite peachy, with distinctly candied fruit notes and layers of honey. A lower abv keeps the spirit from becoming cloyingly sweet, with some sharp citrus and a touch of pineapple clinging to the finish. There’s virtually no floral aspect to this liqueur at all — which may well be to some consumers’ liking. Fine in a spritz but not overly exuberant.”
Merlet (distributor tasting notes):
“Nose: Very floral and fruity, with notes of pear and exotic fruit. Palate: Round and complex, with a balance between petal-like tannins and fruit, and a tangy finish that adds liveliness.”
Bedford & Grove (US importer):
“Unaged and remarkably light at thirty-six proof, the distillate delivers a crisp wash of lemongrass and green tea. Its breezy, delicate texture yields to a vibrant, bright citrus zest finish.”
Retailer tasting notes:
“The nose opens with captivating aromas of fresh elderflower blossoms, white flowers, and citrus zest, accented by hints of pear and lychee. On the palate, delicate floral flavors are complemented by notes of ripe stone fruit, honey, and lemon peel, creating a silky mouthfeel with vibrant freshness.”
Nose
Pale to light gold. Elderflower blossom and white flowers, with pear, lychee, citrus zest, and honey.
Palate
Soft, round, and honeyed, with ripe stone fruit, pear, lychee, lemon peel, and a touch of green tea.
Finish
Bright and lively, with citrus zest and a light floral lift.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Elderflower Liqueur (Liqueur de Sureau) |
| ABV / Proof | 18% ABV / 36 Proof |
| Method | Hot infusion of elderflowers, stabilized with super-fine alcohol, blended with pear and lychee infusions |
| Producer | Merlet — Cognac region, Poitou-Charentes, France |
| Style / Identity | A lighter, fruitier, honeyed elderflower liqueur, less perfumed than the category leaders |
| Aromas & Flavors | Elderflower, pear, lychee, honey, citrus zest, lemongrass |
| Bottle Size | 700ml |
Elderflower spritz — liqueur topped with prosecco or sparkling wine and soda over ice.
Gin and tonic with elderflower — a splash for a floral, fruity lift.
Collins — gin, lemon, elderflower liqueur, and soda.
Over ice or with tonic — a simple, low-proof aperitif.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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