Elderflower Bellinis are a light and refreshing cocktail that I like to make for brunch, parties, or quiet evenings at home.
This drink mixes sparkling wine with elderflower liqueur and fruit puree for a simple, elegant cocktail.
Its floral notes and gentle sweetness make it easy to enjoy, whether you’re celebrating or just relaxing.
I find that the Elderflower Bellini is a great twist on the classic Bellini recipe.
If you want a drink that feels special but doesn’t take much effort, this could be the perfect choice.
With just a few key ingredients and simple steps, anyone can mix up this cocktail at home.
Equipment
- Jigger or a small measuring cup
- Champagne flute or sparkling wine glass
- Bar spoon or swizzle stick
- Small pourer (optional for easy pouring)
- Citrus zester or sharp knife (if adding a twist of lemon)
- Clean towel for wiping spills
- Ice bucket (optional, for keeping Prosecco chilled)
Ingredients
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur like St-Germain
- 3 –4 ounces Prosecco or any dry sparkling wine, well chilled
- Lemon twist or fresh edible flower for garnish, optional
I choose a dry Prosecco so the drink does not taste too sweet.
Instructions
- Pour 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur into the bottom of a chilled flute glass.
- Slowly top with 3–4 ounces of Prosecco. I pour gently to keep the bubbles from spilling over.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix.
- Add a lemon twist or edible flower on top as a garnish, if desired.
- Serve right away while the drink is still cold and bubbly.
- If making more than one, I always pour the Prosecco last so each glass stays fizzy.
- I avoid shaking the drink to prevent it from losing its sparkle.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Elderflower Bellini, I notice gentle floral notes right away.
The elderflower has a sweet, almost honey-like taste that stands out without being overwhelming.
The drink feels light and crisp.
It has a delicate balance where the sparkling wine offers bubbles that make each sip feel fresh.
I enjoy the subtle fruitiness that the elderflower brings.
It mixes well with the wine’s natural flavors, like apple, pear, and peach.
The finish is smooth, not too sweet, and leaves a refreshing aftertaste.
If I had to sum up the experience, I would say this cocktail tastes elegant but easy to drink.
Key Flavor Points:
- Floral:Â Sweet, gentle elderflower aroma
- Fruity:Â Hints of apple, pear, and peach
- Texture:Â Light, crisp, and bubbly
- Finish:Â Refreshing, with mild sweetness
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have elderflower liqueur around, or I can’t find it anywhere. When that happens, I reach for one of these swaps to keep things simple and still pretty tasty.
Popular Elderflower Substitutes
- St. Germain substitute: I’ll grab any floral liqueur I can find—rose or orange blossom work well enough. They mimic that sweet, light taste without too much fuss.
- Homemade syrup: If I’m feeling a little crafty, I’ll mix sugar, water, and some dried elderflowers or even chamomile. It’s quick and honestly kind of fun.
- Fruit syrup: When I’m craving more sweetness, pear, white peach, or lychee syrup does the trick. They’re all good in their own way.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Bottle or container
Ingredients
- For a homemade floral syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp dried elderflowers or chamomile (totally optional, but nice)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- I bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. No need to overthink it.
- Then I toss in the dried flowers and lemon zest, and let it simmer for about 2 or 3 minutes.
- After that, I take it off the heat and let it cool down. Sometimes I get impatient, but it’s better if you wait.
- Once it’s cooled, I strain out the flowers and pour everything into a clean bottle.
- Usually, I use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of this syrup instead of elderflower liqueur in my Bellini. Works like a charm.