Elderflower Gin Spritz
A bright, floral spritz where elderflower-infused gin meets sparkling wine and fresh lime—plus an alcohol-free mocktail version everyone can enjoy.
Elderflower's honeyed, muscat-like fragrance has made it a darling of modern cocktail bars, famously through St-Germain liqueur. This gin spritz captures that elegance at home, balancing floral elderflower with crisp gin, sparkling wine, and fresh lime. Use only the flowers for any infusion — the elder's stems, leaves, and unripe berries are toxic.
Infusing gin with elderflower gives the spirit a soft, fragrant lift that pairs beautifully with the dry bubbles of a sparkling wine. A squeeze of lime keeps everything bright, so the drink stays refreshing rather than sweet.
Build it over plenty of ice in a large wine glass for the classic spritz feel. Top gently with sparkling wine to keep the bubbles lively, and garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint for a fresh, garden-like aroma.
For an alcohol-free mocktail version, skip the gin and sparkling wine entirely. Mix elderflower cordial (or strong chilled elderflower tea) with fresh lime juice over ice, then top with sparkling water. You get the same floral, refreshing spritz — fully alcohol-free and perfect for anyone who wants the ritual without the alcohol.
Ingredients
- 45 ml gin
- 1 tbsp dried elderflower blossoms (for infusing the gin)
- 20 ml elderflower cordial
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 90 ml sparkling wine, chilled
- Splash of soda water
- Lime wheel and mint sprig, to garnish
- Ice cubes
How to make it
- 1Infuse the gin: add the elderflower blossoms to the gin in a sealed jar and leave for 1 hour, then strain out the flowers.
- 2Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in the elderflower-infused gin, elderflower cordial, and lime juice.
- 3Top gently with chilled sparkling wine and a splash of soda water, stirring once to combine.
- 4Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint, and serve immediately.
- 5For the mocktail: skip the gin and sparkling wine; combine elderflower cordial and lime juice over ice and top with sparkling water.
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