Pomegranate Elderflower Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

A pomegranate elderflower sparkler is one of those crisp, refreshing drinks that just feels right for any occasion. It brings together sweet pomegranate juice and those delicate elderflower flavors, finished with a splash of sparkling water or wine.

This cocktail’s a breeze to whip up at home. It’s perfect for parties, brunch, or honestly, just kicking back after a long day. And that gorgeous ruby color? It always turns heads.

I’m a big fan of how the floral, sweet notes from the elderflower liqueur blend with the tart pomegranate. It doesn’t come off too strong or overly sweet, so most folks can enjoy it. If you’re after a drink that’s tasty, easy, and honestly kind of stunning, you might want to give this one a go.

Pomegranate Elderflower Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

I end up making this drink whenever I want something light, fruity, and maybe a little fancy. It mixes sweet pomegranate with floral elderflower and sparkling wine, so it just feels fresh and a bit celebratory.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Tall glass or champagne flute
• Bar spoon
• Ice cubes
• Muddler (optional, for pomegranate seeds)

Having the right tools makes things so much easier. The shaker and strainer help keep things neat, and a jigger gets the balance just right.

Sometimes I’ll use a muddler to press some fresh pomegranate seeds for extra color and flavor. Don’t forget the ice and a nice tall glass to really let those bubbles show off.

Ingredients

• 1 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
• 2 oz pomegranate juice (unsweetened for a tart flavor)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (more or less, to taste)
• 1 oz vodka (optional, for a stronger cocktail)
• 3 oz sparkling wine (champagne, prosecco, cava, or club soda for non-alcoholic)
• Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
• Lemon twist or wheel (optional, for garnish)
• Ice cubes

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, swap in sparkling water or seltzer instead of wine. I usually reach for unsweetened pomegranate juice for that fresh, tart kick, but sweetened works if you’re not into tart flavors.

The elderflower liqueur adds that unique floral note. Vodka is totally optional—sometimes I want a little more oomph, sometimes I skip it.

Instructions

• Fill the shaker with ice.
• Add elderflower liqueur, pomegranate juice, simple syrup, and vodka (if using).
• Give it a gentle shake for about 10–15 seconds, just enough to chill.
• Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice or a chilled flute.
• Top with sparkling wine, prosecco, cava, or club soda.
• Stir gently—don’t want to lose too many bubbles.
• Drop in a few pomegranate seeds for color and a little burst of flavor.
• Add a lemon twist or wheel if you’re feeling fancy.

I always add the sparkling part last, just to keep everything fizzy. Stirring gently helps mix things up without making it go flat. Garnishes are optional, but they’re fun and add a nice aroma.

Notes

Colder ingredients really do help keep the drink sparkling longer, so I chill my juice and wine first. If I’m making these for a crowd, I’ll prep a pitcher without the sparkling wine and just top each glass with bubbles right before serving.

The cocktail’s pretty flexible. Sweet or tart pomegranate juice both work, so use what you like. For a non-alcoholic version, just skip the vodka and use club soda instead of wine.

Sometimes I’ll muddle extra pomegranate seeds at the bottom for a punchier fruit taste. Elderflower liqueur is sweet and floral—if it ever feels too strong, I just add more pomegranate juice or a splash of lemon.

Simple syrup is up to you, really. Adjust it depending on how sweet or dry you want your drink.

Tasting Notes

So, when I take that first sip, there’s this gentle fizz from the sparkling water. It gives the drink a light, almost playful feeling—honestly, it’s just really refreshing.

Right away, the pomegranate jumps out at me. It’s tart, it’s sweet, and it manages to stand out without totally taking over the whole thing.

Then there’s the elderflower liqueur, which adds this subtle floral vibe I actually really enjoy. It’s soft, not too much, and it just kind of weaves into the fruit flavors.

The color? It’s this lovely ruby red that looks great in the glass. The scent hits me as a mix of berries and flowers, which makes me want to go back for another sip, honestly.

If I pour it over ice, it stays cool and crisp. I like that the flavors just sort of blend together—they’re not too strong, not too sweet, just… balanced.