Elderflower Champagne Cocktail Recipe

There’s just something about a simple drink that feels a little fancy, isn’t there? The elderflower champagne cocktail is one of those—light, crisp, and honestly so easy to throw together.

It’s got this gentle floral sweetness and a sparkling finish, so you don’t need much to make it feel special. Just a handful of ingredients and you’re set.

Whenever I make this, I’m always thinking about balance. Elderflower brings in that soft, fragrant vibe, while the champagne keeps things bright and bubbly.

This cocktail’s perfect for brunch, summer parties, or even as a welcome drink if you’re having friends over. I like it just as much for a quiet night on the couch, to be honest.

Here’s how I mix it up, what you’ll need, and a few tips for serving so you get the best flavor and texture in every glass. I’ll throw in some tasting notes too, just so you know what you’re getting into before that first sip.

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail Recipe

What I love is how the floral notes from the elderflower blend with crisp sparkling wine. It’s refreshing, a little sweet, and honestly doesn’t require any tricky steps.

Equipment

• Champagne flute – holds bubbles longer and looks great on the table.
• Measuring jigger – helps with pouring the right amounts.
• Bar spoon – lets you stir without killing the fizz.
• Small pitcher or mixing glass – handy if you’re making drinks for a group.
• Citrus zester or peeler – for a lemon twist, if you’re feeling fancy.
• Ice bucket – keeps your prosecco, cava, or champagne chilled.
• Fine strainer – only if you’re adding fruit or infusing flavors.

I usually pop my glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. It keeps the drink cold without needing to add ice, which just waters things down.

Ingredients

• 2 oz elderflower liqueur (I like St‑Germain, but use whatever you have)
• 4 oz chilled champagne, prosecco, or cava (any good sparkling wine)
• 1 oz chilled club soda or sparkling water (totally optional, for a lighter drink)
• Lemon twist or a thin lemon slice (for garnish)
• Edible flowers like pansies or violets (if you want to get fancy)

If I’m after a softer taste, I’ll grab prosecco. Champagne is great if you want it drier, and cava’s perfect when you want to save a little cash but still want something good.

Instructions

• Make sure everything’s chilled before you start.
• Pour the elderflower liqueur into your flute.
• Slowly top with champagne, prosecco, or cava—go easy so it doesn’t foam over.
• If you want, add a splash of club soda or sparkling water.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon, just enough to mix but not lose the fizz.
• Add your lemon twist or edible flowers for garnish.
• Serve right away, while it’s still cold and bubbly.

I always pour the sparkling wine last to keep those bubbles lively. Adding soda is just a personal thing—sometimes I want it lighter, sometimes I skip it.

Notes

Elderflower liqueur can be pretty sweet, so I usually tweak the amount depending on which wine I’m using. Dry champagne evens it out, but if I’m using a sweeter prosecco, I’ll use a bit less liqueur.

For a group, I’ll mix the liqueur and soda in a pitcher, then pour sparkling wine into each glass right before serving. Keeps the bubbles fresh and everyone happy.

If you’re using edible flowers, make sure they’re actually safe to eat—don’t just grab any from the garden. A thin lemon twist is my go-to for a little citrus aroma that plays nicely with the floral notes.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, there’s this gentle floral aroma—yep, elderflower, no doubt about it. It sort of drifts in alongside the crisp scent of champagne.

Honestly, the smell is fresh but doesn’t smack you in the face. It’s more subtle, which I really appreciate.

The flavor? It’s slightly sweet with a little citrus zing. I can tell the elderflower syrup is there, though the champagne’s dryness steps in and keeps things from getting too sugary.

The bubbles are soft and lively, kind of dancing on my tongue. Makes the whole drink feel extra refreshing and light.

I notice a faint hint of pear and maybe a bit of green apple too. Those must be from the champagne, and they actually mix in pretty nicely with the floral sweetness.

The finish is clean and smooth. There’s this soft floral taste that lingers for just a few seconds—honestly, it makes me want to go back for another sip.