A St. Germain cocktail is like springtime in a glass—light, floral, and fizzy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Made with elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda, it’s one of those drinks that feels effortlessly elegant but couldn’t be easier to make. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails—this is the one I always keep in my back pocket when I want to impress guests without fuss.
St. Germain
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail (easily scaled up for a crowd)
Glassware: Champagne flute or white wine glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 2 oz (60 ml) chilled sparkling wine (like prosecco or cava)
- 2 oz (60 ml) chilled club soda
- 1 lemon twist, for garnish
Method
- Start with a chilled glass. Pop your flute or wine glass in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before making the drink.
- Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of St. Germain into the glass.
- Add 2 oz (60 ml) of sparkling wine. Pour gently to keep the bubbles lively.
- Top with 2 oz (60 ml) of club soda. Again, pour slowly so it doesn’t fizz over.
- Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in as a garnish.
Tips for Success
- Keep everything cold: Warm ingredients will flatten the fizz. Chill your bottle of wine, soda water, and even the liqueur if you can.
- Don’t stir: Let the bubbles do their thing. Stirring can dull the sparkle and muddle the flavors.
- Use fresh lemon peel: It adds a nice zing and brings out the floral notes in the liqueur.
Storage Notes
While this cocktail is best made fresh, you can mix the St. Germain and sparkling wine ahead of time and store in the fridge for a few hours. Just add the club soda and garnish right before serving to keep it bubbly.
Make-Ahead for a Party
To serve a crowd, mix equal parts St. Germain and sparkling wine in a pitcher. Keep it chilled. When ready to serve, pour into glasses and top with club soda and a lemon twist. I’ve made this drink countless times for brunches and garden parties—batching it saves time and still tastes amazing.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Sparkling Wine: Use prosecco for a fruitier finish or cava for something a little drier.
- Club Soda: Try flavored sparkling water like lemon or berry to add another layer of flavor.
- Garnish: Swap the lemon twist for a sprig of mint, edible flowers, or a few fresh raspberries.
Flavor Profile
This drink is delicate and floral, with hints of lychee, pear, and white peach. The bubbles lift it all up, making it crisp and refreshing. You’ll notice a soft sweetness from the elderflower, balanced by the dry wine and soda.
Perfect Pairings
This cocktail plays beautifully with light bites. Here are a few favorites:
Charcuterie Board
The floral notes cut through salty meats like prosciutto and salami. Add some fresh fruit and nuts, and you’ve got a dream pairing.
Soft Cheeses
Think Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese. The creaminess balances the brightness of the cocktail.
Fruit-Based Desserts
Lemon tarts, berry sorbet, or a peach galette all make great companions. The drink enhances fruity flavors without overpowering them.
Fun Facts
- Each bottle of St. Germain is made from up to 1,000 hand-picked elderflower blossoms.
- The liqueur was created by Robert Cooper in 2007 and named after the St. Germain-des-Prés neighborhood in Paris.
- The bottle design is inspired by vintage French glassware from the 1920s—just another reason it looks so chic on your bar cart.
Try These Variations
St. Germain Spritz
- 2 oz St. Germain
- 3 oz prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- Serve over ice with a lemon slice
Elderflower Martini
- 1 oz St. Germain
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- Stir with ice, strain into a martini glass, garnish with a lemon twist
Berry Elderflower Smash
- 1 oz St. Germain
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- Handful of fresh berries
- Muddle berries, shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass
Non-Alcoholic Version
Mix 2 oz elderflower cordial with 4 oz sparkling water. Add a lemon twist or a few berries for garnish. It’s a lovely floral mocktail that still feels fancy.
Q&A
Can I use a different sparkling wine?
Yes! Try prosecco for a sweeter profile or cava if you like it drier. Champagne works too if you’re feeling fancy.
Is St. Germain vegan?
It is! No animal products are used in its ingredients or production.
How should I store St. Germain?
Keep it in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it’s best used within 6 months to keep the flavors fresh.
What’s a good non-alcoholic substitute?
Elderflower cordial or syrup is a great swap. It has a similar floral flavor and works well in mocktails.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Definitely. Just mix the St. Germain and sparkling wine ahead, then top each glass with club soda and garnish as you serve.
Is it healthy?
It’s a treat, like any cocktail. Elderflower has some antioxidants, but the drink still contains sugar and alcohol—so enjoy in moderation.
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This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio or a simple brunch with friends. It’s light, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick with the classic or try one of the fun twists, it’s a drink that brings a little sparkle to any moment.
