Ever had one of those moments when you’re craving something sophisticated yet refreshingly simple? That’s exactly where the Pear Vodka and Elderflower Spritz steps in. This isn’t just another cocktail—it’s that perfect balance of fruity sweetness, floral notes, and effervescence that makes you feel like you’re sipping something special, even on a random Tuesday evening. The combination of delicate pear vodka with the distinctive charm of elderflower creates a drink that’s both accessible and impressive.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes the Pear Vodka and Elderflower Spritz truly stand out is its elegant simplicity. Unlike complicated cocktails that require specialized equipment or obscure ingredients, this spritz delivers sophisticated flavor with minimal effort. The natural affinity between pear and elderflower creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both distinctive and approachable—sweet but not cloying, refreshing but not bland.
This cocktail works beautifully year-round—it’s light enough for summer gatherings but the pear notes make it equally appropriate for autumn evenings. As a bartender friend once told me, “The mark of a great cocktail is when it feels special without intimidating the drinker,” and this spritz embodies that philosophy perfectly. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness or strength to suit your preferences.
Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger or measuring tool, highball glasses, bar spoon, knife, cutting board
Pear Vodka and Elderflower Spritz
Ingredients
- 4 oz pear vodka such as Grey Goose La Poire or Absolut Pears
- 2 oz elderflower liqueur St-Germain is traditional, but any elderflower cordial works
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup optional, depending on desired sweetness
- Chilled sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh pear slices or lemon wheels for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your glasses by filling two highball or collins glasses with ice cubes. The ice should fill about ¾ of each glass to ensure your drink stays properly chilled.
- Combine the core ingredients in a cocktail shaker: add the pear vodka, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup (if using). No cocktail shaker? A mason jar with a tight lid works perfectly.
- Add ice to the shaker and seal tightly. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This proper dilution is key to balancing the flavors.
- Strain the mixture evenly into your prepared ice-filled glasses, leaving enough room (about 1-2 inches) for the sparkling water.
- Top each glass with sparkling water, adding about 2-3 oz per glass. Pour slowly to preserve the bubbles and prevent overflow.
- Gently stir with a bar spoon to incorporate all ingredients without losing carbonation. Just 2-3 gentle turns is sufficient.
- Garnish beautifully with fresh pear slices or lemon wheels, and add a sprig of mint if desired. The aromatics from the garnish enhance the drinking experience.
Notes
- For the best flavor, chill all ingredients (except garnishes) before mixing.
- The simple syrup is optional—taste your mixture before adding it, as the elderflower liqueur already provides sweetness.
- You can batch the base mixture (everything except sparkling water) in advance for parties, but always add the sparkling component just before serving.
- To prevent pear slices from browning if preparing in advance, lightly brush them with lemon juice.
- The drink works well with both still and sparkling water—the latter provides a more traditional spritz character.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 180-200 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g per serving (primarily from the liqueurs)
- Alcohol content: Moderate, roughly 15% ABV per cocktail
- Dietary notes: Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free
- Sugar content: Contains natural and added sugars from the liqueurs and optional simple syrup
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-diluting the drink by shaking too long or using too much sparkling water, which can mute the delicate flavors
- Using overly sweet pear-flavored vodka without adjusting other sweet components, resulting in a cloying cocktail
- Adding sparkling water to the shaker instead of directly to the glass (this kills carbonation)
- Skimping on quality ingredients – especially the elderflower liqueur, which is a defining flavor of this cocktail
- Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh, which can add an artificial sourness rather than bright citrus notes
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No pear vodka? Use regular vodka infused with fresh pear slices for 24 hours, or substitute with plain vodka and add 1 oz of pear nectar
- Elderflower alternatives: Substitute with elderflower syrup, or try lychee liqueur or a floral honey syrup (2 parts honey:1 part hot water with a few drops of rose water)
- Make it non-alcoholic: Replace alcohol with pear juice, elderflower cordial/syrup, and increase the sparkling water
- For a lower-calorie version: Use diet tonic water instead of sparkling water and skip the simple syrup
- Add herbs: Infuse the simple syrup with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a garden-fresh twist
- Sparkling alternatives: Champagne or prosecco can replace sparkling water for a more potent, celebratory version
FAQs
Can I make this drink in a pitcher for a crowd?
Absolutely! Multiply the base ingredients (pear vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup) by the number of servings needed. Mix these in a pitcher with ice, but wait to add the sparkling water until just before serving to maintain the effervescence. Prepare a separate container of chilled sparkling water and have guests top their own glasses.
How can I enhance the pear flavor if it’s too subtle?
If you want a more pronounced pear presence, try muddling fresh pear pieces (about ¼ of a ripe pear per drink) in your shaker before adding the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can infuse your simple syrup with pear by simmering pear slices in the syrup mixture for about 10 minutes, then cooling and straining.
Is there a way to make this cocktail less sweet?
Yes, several options exist for reducing sweetness. Skip the simple syrup entirely, increase the lemon juice to 1.5 oz, or replace part of the elderflower liqueur with more vodka. You can also use a drier sparkling component like unsweetened soda water or even a splash of dry prosecco.
What food pairs well with this cocktail?
The Pear Vodka and Elderflower Spritz pairs beautifully with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or seafood canapés. The floral and fruit notes also complement salads with fruit elements, soft cheeses, and delicate desserts like panna cotta or shortbread cookies.
How long can I store a pre-mixed batch without the sparkling water?
The base mixture (without sparkling water) can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. The lemon juice may lose some brightness after 24 hours, so for the best flavor, add fresh lemon juice just before serving if preparing well in advance.
Final Thoughts
The Pear Vodka and Elderflower Spritz proves that sophisticated drinking doesn’t require complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. There’s something magical about how these simple flavors come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a moment of calm, this spritz offers that perfect balance of special and accessible that makes home mixology so rewarding.
