Pear Vodka and Elderflower Spritz
A sophisticated yet easy-to-craft cocktail featuring pear vodka and elderflower liqueur, brightened with fresh lemon and topped with sparkling water for a light, effervescent finish perfect for any occasion.
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.