Elderflower sparkling wine cocktails bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. These refreshing drinks blend the sweet floral notes of elderflower with the crisp bubbles of sparkling wine.
The recipe is simple: mix elderflower liqueur with chilled sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.
This cocktail is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. It’s light, not too sweet, and easy to make in large batches for parties. The elderflower adds a unique flavor that many people enjoy.
Bartenders and home mixologists alike appreciate this cocktail for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s a great option for those who want to try something new without veering too far from familiar flavors.
Elderflower Sparkling Wine Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Champagne flutes or wine glasses
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon for stirring
- Ice bucket (optional)
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
Ingredients
The main components of this cocktail are:
- 1 oz 30 ml elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
- 4-5 oz 120-150 ml chilled sparkling wine or Champagne
- Fresh lemon twist or edible flower for garnish optional
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the sparkling wine with soda water or lemon-lime soda. The elderflower liqueur can be swapped for elderflower syrup or cordial.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the cocktail:
- Chill the glasses in the freezer for 5-10 minutes if desired.
- Pour the elderflower liqueur into the glass.
- Slowly add the chilled sparkling wine, tilting the glass to keep the bubbles.
- Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to mix.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower if using.
Serve right away to enjoy the drink at its best. The recipe can be doubled or tripled for larger batches.
Notes
Tasting Notes
This elderflower sparkling wine cocktail offers a refreshing blend of flavors. The first sip reveals a light, crisp taste with subtle floral notes from the elderflower.
The sparkling wine base provides a bubbly texture and gentle acidity. Its dryness balances the sweetness of the elderflower syrup nicely.
Hints of citrus add brightness and zest to the drink. The cocktail finishes clean and smooth on the palate.
Here are the key flavor notes:
- Floral: Delicate elderflower
- Fruity: Subtle citrus
- Sweet: Light touch of syrup
- Crisp: Dry sparkling wine
The drink has a pale golden color with lively bubbles. Its aroma is lightly fragrant with elderflower and wine notes.
This cocktail is best served chilled in a champagne flute. The cool temperature enhances its crisp character and effervescence.
Substitute
No elderflower? No problem. There are several tasty alternatives to use in this sparkling wine cocktail.
St. Germain liqueur is a popular choice. It’s made from elderflowers and has a similar sweet, floral flavor.
For a non-alcoholic option, try elderflower cordial or syrup. These concentrated drinks mix well with sparkling wine or soda water.
Brands like Belvoir and Bottle Green offer good elderflower cordials.
Other floral syrups can work too. Rose, lavender, or orange blossom syrups add nice floral notes. Fruit syrups like peach or pear are also good swaps. They bring sweetness and flavor to the cocktail.
For a different twist, use an herbal liqueur. Chartreuse or Benedictine have complex flavors that pair well with sparkling wine. Or try a fruit liqueur like peach schnapps or apricot brandy.
Here’s a quick list of substitutes:
- St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- Elderflower cordial or syrup
- Rose, lavender, or orange blossom syrup
- Peach or pear syrup
- Chartreuse or Benedictine
- Fruit liqueurs (peach, apricot, etc.)
Pick the option that best fits your taste and what you have on hand. Each will create a unique but tasty sparkling wine cocktail.