Elderflower Spritz
A floral, refreshing and bubbly cocktail ∙ Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 7.9% ABV ∙
The Elderflower Spritz is a light wine spritz of white wine and elderflower liqueur topped with soda water, served over ice in a Collins glass.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour the ingredients into the ice-filled glass: White wine 60 mlElderflower liqueur 45 ml
- Stir gently
- Top with Soda water (or Champagne)
- Stir gently again
- Garnish with a lime wheel
Tips
- Stir gently once after the wine and liqueur and again after the soda, so the liqueur is mixed in without knocking out the bubbles.
History
The Elderflower Spritz was created by a British drinks writer after the French liqueur St-Germain launched in 2007. The brand asked him to develop a launch cocktail for its United Kingdom release, and he paired the new elderflower liqueur with soda water and a still white wine, originally Sauvignon Blanc, to highlight the liqueur's fruit, floral, and mineral notes.
A close relative is the Hugo Spritz, created in 2005 by bartender Roland Gruber in Naturno, in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy. He mixed Prosecco with soda water, mint, and a lemon balm syrup; elderflower syrup or liqueur later replaced the lemon balm.
FAQ
What is in an Elderflower Spritz?
White wine, preferably Sauvignon Blanc (60 ml), elderflower liqueur (45 ml) and soda water (60 ml), built over ice in a Collins glass and garnished with a lime wheel. Champagne can take the place of the soda water for a sparkling version.
What is the difference between an Elderflower Spritz and a Hugo Spritz?
The Elderflower Spritz uses still white wine, while a Hugo Spritz uses dry sparkling wine and adds fresh mint; both take elderflower liqueur and soda water. The Hugo was created in 2005 in South Tyrol, northern Italy, and the Elderflower Spritz for the UK release of St-Germain after its 2007 launch.
What does elderflower liqueur taste like?
Elderflower liqueur tastes silky and sweet, intensely floral, with honeyed, slightly green notes and a lingering blossomy finish. It is flavored with elder blossoms and usually runs 15–20% ABV. Some cheaper brands use flavoring rather than an infusion of the flowers, so taste before pouring a full measure.
