There’s something magical about that first sip of a St. Germain Spritz on a warm afternoon. The delicate elderflower aroma hits you first, followed by the gentle bubbles of prosecco dancing across your palate. This isn’t just another cocktail – it’s a moment of European elegance in a glass that anyone can create at home. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself after a long day, this effervescent drink strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and approachable.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
The St. Germain Spritz has become a modern classic for good reason. Unlike more complex cocktails requiring specialized equipment or obscure ingredients, this drink delivers maximum impact with minimal effort. The elderflower liqueur brings a unique, slightly sweet floral character that’s impossible to replicate with other spirits.
It’s incredibly versatile – appropriate for brunches, garden parties, or elegant evening gatherings. What I love most is how it transforms ordinary prosecco into something special without overwhelming it. The drink maintains a light, refreshing quality while offering layers of flavor that more basic spritzes simply can’t match.
Equipment needed: Wine glass or large stemmed glass, jigger or measuring tool, bar spoon
St. Germain Spritz
Ingredients
- 1½ oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 3 oz dry Prosecco or other sparkling wine
- 2 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or slice for garnish
- Optional: Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your glass with ice – Use a wine glass or large stemmed glass and fill it about ¾ full with ice cubes. Larger ice cubes melt more slowly and prevent dilution.
- Pour in the St. Germain – Measure 1½ oz of elderflower liqueur and pour it over the ice. This forms the aromatic base of your cocktail.
- Add the Prosecco – Slowly pour in 3 oz of chilled Prosecco, tilting the glass slightly to preserve the bubbles.
- Top with sparkling water – Add 2 oz of sparkling water or club soda to lighten the drink and enhance its effervescence.
- Gently stir – Use a bar spoon to give the drink a gentle, brief stir – just 2-3 rotations to combine ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Garnish thoughtfully – Add a lemon twist or slice to the rim of the glass, and if desired, a fresh mint sprig for additional aromatics and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately – The St. Germain Spritz is best enjoyed right away while it’s perfectly chilled and bubbly.
Notes
- This cocktail is ideal for batch preparation. Simply multiply ingredients proportionally and mix in a pitcher just before serving.
- St. Germain has a unique flavor profile, but it’s quite sweet – adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- The quality of your prosecco matters – opt for a dry (brut) variety that isn’t too sweet to balance the liqueur.
- For special occasions, consider freezing edible flowers in ice cubes for a stunning presentation.
- Always serve in chilled glasses for the most refreshing experience.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 160-180 calories per serving
- Alcohol content: Moderate, about 10-12% ABV per drink
- Sugar: Contains natural sugars from the St. Germain (elderflower liqueur)
- Dietary notes: Gluten-free, vegan-friendly
- Special considerations: Lower in calories than many cocktails, but the liqueur contains significant sugar
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm ingredients – Make sure all components, especially the prosecco and sparkling water, are properly chilled before mixing.
- Over-stirring the cocktail – This causes the carbonation to dissipate quickly, resulting in a flat drink.
- Using too much St. Germain – The liqueur is beautifully floral but quite sweet; too much can overpower the delicate balance.
- Choosing a sweet prosecco – This creates an overly sweet cocktail since St. Germain already brings significant sweetness.
- Preparing too far in advance – Carbonation fades quickly, so mix just before serving for the best experience.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Alcohol-free version: Replace St. Germain with elderflower cordial or syrup, and use alcohol-free sparkling wine.
- Prosecco alternatives: Champagne creates a drier, more elegant version, while Cava offers similar quality at a lower price point.
- Citrus variations: Experiment with grapefruit or blood orange slices instead of lemon for different aromatic notes.
- Lower-sugar option: Reduce the St. Germain to 1 oz and increase the sparkling water for a lighter drink.
- Added dimension: A splash of gin (½ oz) creates a more complex cocktail with herbal notes that complement the elderflower beautifully.
FAQs
What exactly is St. Germain and can I substitute something else?
St. Germain is a French elderflower liqueur made from fresh elderflower blossoms. While its unique flavor is difficult to replicate exactly, you can substitute with elderflower cordial plus a splash of vodka, or try another floral liqueur like Lillet Blanc or even a honey liqueur in a pinch. The flavor profile will be different, but still delicious.
Can I make this cocktail for a crowd?
Absolutely! For a pitcher serving 8, combine 12 oz St. Germain with 24 oz prosecco and 16 oz sparkling water. Add ice and garnishes just before serving to maintain carbonation. I recommend mixing the St. Germain and prosecco up to an hour ahead, adding the sparkling water and ice at the last minute.
Is a St. Germain Spritz similar to an Aperol Spritz?
They share the spritz DNA but offer distinctly different flavor experiences. While an Aperol Spritz is bitter-sweet and orange-forward, the St. Germain Spritz is delicately floral and honey-like. The elderflower liqueur creates a more subtle, sophisticated cocktail without the bitterness that some find challenging in Aperol.
What’s the best occasion to serve a St. Germain Spritz?
This versatile cocktail shines as a pre-dinner aperitif, but it’s equally suited to brunch, garden parties, wedding celebrations, or any spring/summer gathering. Its light, refreshing quality makes it appropriate any time you’d serve champagne or prosecco. I particularly love serving it during early evening outdoor gatherings.
How long does an open bottle of St. Germain last?
Unlike wine, St. Germain has a relatively long shelf life due to its alcohol content. Once opened, it will maintain optimal flavor for about 6 months if kept refrigerated. The bottle may last longer, but the delicate floral notes will gradually diminish. Store in the refrigerator to preserve its nuanced flavors.
Final Thoughts
The St. Germain Spritz exemplifies how a few quality ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ratios to suit your personal taste – cocktails should be a pleasure, not a strict formula. This elegant yet effortless drink might just become your signature offering when friends gather. Cheers to discovering the magic of elderflower in this refreshingly sophisticated spritz!
