I’m always on the lookout for simple, refreshing drinks—especially when friends drop by or I just want a little treat at home. The Citrus Elderflower Sparkler Cocktail is ridiculously easy, mixing bright citrus with delicate elderflower for this crisp, light taste that honestly just feels special.

It’s a pretty drink, too—almost too nice to sip, but I never let that stop me. If I’m after a cocktail that’s lively but still has that elegant vibe, this one’s my go-to. The ingredients are basic, nothing fancy, and you don’t need any wild tools. Simple, fresh, and quick—what’s not to like?

Citrus Elderflower Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail is all about that zingy citrus, sweet floral elderflower, and a hit of bubbles. You really don’t need much to make it, and it’s easy to tweak if you want to play around with flavors.

John

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker or just a jar with a lid

Fine-mesh strainer
Citrus juicer or reamer
Jigger or measuring spoons
Highball glass or stemless wine glass
Bar spoon or, honestly, any spoon for stirring
Ice cubes

Ingredients

1 ½ oz 45 ml elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain—so good)

1 oz 30 ml vodka
2 oz 60 ml fresh orange juice
1 oz 30 ml fresh lemon juice
½ oz 15 ml simple syrup (add more or less, up to you)

2-3 oz 60–90 ml sparkling water or club soda
Fresh citrus slices lemon, lime, or orange for garnish
Mint leaves for garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions

Fill your shaker with ice cubes.

Add elderflower liqueur, vodka (if you’re using it), orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Give it a good shake for about 10 seconds—just enough to chill everything.
Put fresh ice in your glass and strain the mix over it.

Top up with sparkling water or club soda.
Stir gently—don’t kill those bubbles.
Toss in a citrus slice and a sprig of mint for the finishing touch.

Notes

I’m picky about the sweet-tart balance, so I’ll taste and adjust the syrup before serving. If I want it lighter, I just leave out the vodka and stick with elderflower liqueur.

Want it alcohol-free? Ditch the vodka and swap the elderflower liqueur for elderflower cordial. For parties, I’ll mix the juices and liqueur ahead in a pitcher, then add ice and sparkling water right before serving. Don’t skimp on the ice—cold is key.

Tasting Notes

First sip? The citrus hits right away—bright, fresh, and honestly kind of addictive. Orange and lemon together just work, keeping it light and clean.

The elderflower liqueur comes through with this soft, floral aroma. It’s sweet, but not in-your-face.

The bubbles from the sparkling water are my favorite part—tiny, tingly, super refreshing. Makes every sip feel extra crisp.

Quick rundown of what’s going on in the glass:

After a few sips, the balance really stands out—nothing overpowers, and it stays easy to drink. The bubbles and floral notes make it a solid pick for warm days or when you want something a little fancy but not fussy.

Must Have Ingredients

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Substitute

Sometimes I just have to tweak the Citrus Elderflower Sparkler recipe, depending on what’s in my kitchen. Here are a few swaps I reach for when I want to keep the drink tasting great, even if I’m missing a key ingredient:

If I am out of elderflower liqueur, I substitute with:

St. Germain syrup (non-alcoholic)
Homemade elderflower cordial, just swapping it 1:1

Lemon or citrus liqueur—makes it a little brighter, honestly

When I do not have sparkling wine, I use:

Club soda or tonic water works for a non-alcoholic twist

Ginger ale, if I want a punchier flavor
Prosecco or cava—close enough in texture, if I’m being picky

For citrus juice variations, I pick:

Lime juice if I’m out of lemons or oranges (happens more than I’d like to admit)
Blood orange juice, which changes the color and the mood
Grapefruit juice, for that extra tart kick

When I don’t have fancy equipment, I just make do:

Any glass or mug works if a cocktail shaker is nowhere to be found
A regular spoon, honestly, stirs just fine if a bar spoon is missing

Mixing the cocktail with these substitutes is pretty straightforward. Here’s what I usually do:

Pour juices and liqueur (or whatever subs I’ve got) over ice
Stir or shake, just to get it cold

Top with sparkling wine or whatever fizzy thing I’m using
Garnish with whatever fresh citrus or edible flowers are around—no need to overthink it

Citrus Elderflower Sparkler Cocktail Recipe