Elderflower Spritzer

Name: Elderflower Spritzer
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 45 ml / 1.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur; 90 ml / 3 oz Dry Prosecco; 30 ml / 1 oz Soda Water

Ingredients Instructions

The Elderflower Spritzer is an elegant and incredibly refreshing cocktail celebrated for its delicate floral notes. It combines the sweet, aromatic flavor of elderflower liqueur with the crisp acidity of dry sparkling wine, like Prosecco, and is lightened with a top of bubbly soda water. Served over ice in a large wine glass, it's the quintessential drink for warm weather, brunches, and sophisticated yet simple sipping.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Elderflower Spritzer is best categorized as a spritz, a wine-based cocktail made with sparkling wine and soda water. Due to its light, refreshing, and low-alcohol nature, it is primarily served as an aperitif, intended to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a large wine or spritz glass, this is a relatively low-alcohol beverage perfect for casual sipping. The large glass allows for plenty of ice and showcases the drink's effervescence.

Serving size

180-240 ml / 6-8 oz

Alcohol content

Approximately 8-11% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Large Wine Glass

Glass treatment

None

Backstory

The Elderflower Spritzer is a modern classic that rose to prominence in the early 2000s, largely thanks to the introduction and marketing of St-Germain, a French elderflower liqueur. It's a contemporary take on the traditional Italian Spritz Veneziano (Aperol Spritz). Its simple preparation and elegant flavor profile made it an instant hit in bars and homes worldwide, embodying a shift towards lighter, more floral cocktails.

Origin

This is a modern drink with no single creator, originating in the early 21st century. Its popularity surged globally, particularly in Europe and the United States, following the launch of St-Germain liqueur in 2007, which became a key ingredient and inspiration for the drink.

Elderflower Spritzer

This drink is most commonly known as an Elderflower Spritzer or Spritz. It is often referred to by the brand name of the elderflower liqueur used, such as a St-Germain Spritz. The name "Elderflower Fizz" is also sometimes used, though "fizz" typically implies the addition of citrus juice and egg white.

Original name

Elderflower Spritzer

Alternative names

Elderflower Spritz
Elderflower Fizz

Characteristics overview

This drink is defined by its dominant floral aroma and sweet taste, balanced by a crisp, bubbly texture from the sparkling wine and soda. Its appearance is a beautiful pale straw color, making it a perfectly refreshing and light summer beverage.

Flavor

Floral, sweet, crisp, bubbly, slightly citrusy, light

Aroma

Elderflower, white grape, fresh lemon, pear

Taste balance

Sweet, sour

Aftertaste

Clean, floral, short

Fizziness

Bubbly, effervescent

Color appearance

Pale straw, clear, sparkling

Texture

Light, crisp, watery

Seasonality

Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a moderate sweetness and a light sourness, with very low bitterness and no saltiness or spice. It is highly carbonated, light in alcohol, and carries a gentle fruitiness alongside its prominent floral character.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple cocktail requires just three main ingredients: elderflower liqueur for floral sweetness, dry sparkling wine as the base, and a splash of soda water for extra fizz.

Elderflower Liqueur45 ml / 1.5 oz
St-Germain is the most popular choice, but other brands work well.
Dry Prosecco90 ml / 3 oz
Any dry sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne can be substituted.
Soda Water30 ml / 1 oz
Use club soda or sparkling mineral water. Adjust amount to taste.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for a quick, gentle stir. The drink is built directly in the serving glass.

Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring.
Bar spoon for gentle stirring.

Instructions

This drink is built directly in the glass by filling it with ice, adding the liqueur and sparkling wine, topping with soda, and giving it a gentle stir. The final step is to add the aromatic garnish.

1. Fill a large wine glass with cubed ice to the top to chill the glass.

2. Pour in the elderflower liqueur over the ice.

3. Gently pour the chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine over the liqueur.

4. Top with a splash of soda water.

5. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.

6. Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel or twist and an optional sprig of mint.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a lemon wheel or twist adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the floral notes. A sprig of fresh mint can also be added for extra freshness.

Lemon wheel or twist to express oils over the drink and place in the glass.
Fresh mint sprig, lightly clapped between hands to release aroma before placing in the glass.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. Most elderflower liqueurs and sparkling wines are vegan, but it is always wise to check the wine's label for fining agents if strict vegan standards are required.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink is relatively low in calories, with around 160 kcal per serving. Most of its carbohydrates and calories come from the sugar content in the elderflower liqueur and the sparkling wine.

Calories

averagely 160 kcal / 670 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

averagely 14 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

averagely 13 g

Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal for warm-weather gatherings like summer garden parties or patio sipping. Its light and refreshing character makes it a perfect choice for brunch or as an elegant pre-dinner aperitif during aperitivo hour.

Summer Party
Brunch
Aperitivo Hour
Pre-dinner Drink
Garden Party

Pairing suggestions

The floral and light profile of the Elderflower Spritzer pairs wonderfully with delicate foods. It complements light appetizers such as fresh seafood, goat cheese boards, and salads with light vinaigrettes. It also works beautifully alongside fresh fruit or light pastries.

Light Cheeses (Goat cheese, Feta)
Seafood Appetizers (Shrimp cocktail, Oysters)
Fresh Salads with vinaigrette dressing
Fruit Platters

Elderflower Spritzer: A Sip of Floral Elegance

The Elderflower Spritzer is a sophisticated yet remarkably simple cocktail that captures the essence of a warm, sunny day in a glass. Its blend of floral elderflower, crisp sparkling wine, and effervescent soda creates a drink that is both refreshing and elegant. With its low alcohol content and easy preparation, it's an accessible and versatile choice for any occasion, from a casual brunch to a formal celebration. A modern classic, its popularity is a testament to its perfectly balanced and delightful flavor.

Similar Cocktails

Hugo Spritz

A very close relative, the Hugo Spritz is made with elderflower syrup or liqueur, prosecco, and soda, but is specifically garnished with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge or slice.

Variations

Cucumber Elderflower Spritzer

Gently muddle 2-3 thin slices of cucumber in the bottom of the glass before adding ice and the other ingredients for a cooler, more vegetal freshness.