Saint-Germain Spritz
A light, floral spritz built around Saint-Germain elderflower liqueur, brightened with sparkling wine and finished with soda for refreshing effervescence. This elegant, easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for warm afternoons, brunches, or as a crowd-pleasing aperitif.
Ingredient Spotlight
Saint‑Germain elderflower liqueur
A French artisanal liqueur made from hand‑picked elderflower blossoms (Saint‑Germain is the common brand name). It is floral and aromatic with a gentle sweetness and notes of pear, lychee and citrus, often used to perfume cocktails. Find it at well‑stocked liquor stores or online; if unavailable, substitute elderflower cordial or syrup (diluted) or a splash of Lillet Blanc/white wine with a little simple syrup as a close alternative.
Jake Woods's note
"This Saint-Germain Spritz is wonderfully floral without being overly sweet — it shines at summer gatherings or as a pretty pre-dinner drink. Home bartenders will love how quickly it comes together and how easily it scales up for a group."
About This Recipe
The Saint‑Germain Spritz is a delicate, floral take on the modern spritz that reads as much like perfume as refreshment. Saint‑Germain elderflower liqueur brings a soft, honeyed blossom character that pairs naturally with the bright acidity and persistent bubbles of a dry Prosecco; a splash of club soda lifts everything into an airy, palate‑cleansing sip. Serve it over plenty of ice so the aromatics arrive in gentle waves rather than one overpowering rush, and finish with a lemon twist and thyme sprig to give each glass a citrus oil lift and a subtle herbal echo.
This recipe’s 1:2:3 ratio (liqueur:Prosecco:soda) is designed to keep sweetness in check while letting the elderflower be the star, and the simple building method — pour slowly, give a one‑stroke stir — preserves the fizz that makes a spritz feel celebratory. It’s an unfussy showpiece for brunch, warm afternoons, or a canapé party, and it scales easily: chill the liqueur and sparkling wine ahead and add soda and garnish at the last minute so every glass is lively when you serve it.
Ingredients for Saint-Germain Spritz
- 4 cups Ice cubes
- 6 fl oz Saint‑Germain elderflower liqueur
- 12 fl oz Dry Prosecco or other sparkling wine
- 8 fl oz Club soda (or sparkling water)
- 4 twists Lemon twists (for garnish)
- 4 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs (optional garnish)
How to Make Saint-Germain Spritz
Step 1: Prepare glassware and ice
Chill four large wine glasses or stemmed goblets in the freezer for 5–10 minutes if desired. Meanwhile, fill each glass generously with ice so the drink stays cold and fizzy while you build it.For this step
- 4 cupsIce cubes
Step 2: Combine elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine
Divide the Saint‑Germain elderflower liqueur evenly among the glasses, pouring directly over the ice. Top each with an equal portion of chilled Prosecco, pouring slowly to preserve bubbles and create a gentle blend.For this step
- 6 fl ozSaint‑Germain elderflower liqueur
- 12 fl ozDry Prosecco or other sparkling wine
Step 3: Top with soda and gently stir
Add club soda to each glass to taste, aiming for a roughly 1:2:3 ratio (liqueur:Prosecco:soda) for a balanced spritz. Give each glass a gentle one- or two-stroke stir to combine without flattening the effervescence.For this step
- 8 fl ozClub soda (or sparkling water)
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Twist a strip of lemon peel over each glass to release the oils, then drop the twist in as a garnish and finish with a sprig of fresh thyme. Serve immediately while the bubbles are lively and enjoy.For this step
- 4 twistsLemon twists (for garnish)
- 4 sprigsFresh thyme sprigs (optional garnish)
- Chill four large wine glasses or stemmed goblets in the freezer for 5–10 minutes if desired. Meanwhile, fill each glass generously with ice so the drink stays cold and fizzy while you build it.
- Divide the Saint‑Germain elderflower liqueur evenly among the glasses, pouring directly over the ice. Top each with an equal portion of chilled Prosecco, pouring slowly to preserve bubbles and create a gentle blend.
- Add club soda to each glass to taste, aiming for a roughly 1:2:3 ratio (liqueur:Prosecco:soda) for a balanced spritz. Give each glass a gentle one- or two-stroke stir to combine without flattening the effervescence.
- Twist a strip of lemon peel over each glass to release the oils, then drop the twist in as a garnish and finish with a sprig of fresh thyme. Serve immediately while the bubbles are lively and enjoy.
Saint-Germain Spritz Tips
Chill all ingredients
Keep the Saint‑Germain and Prosecco well chilled and put glasses in the freezer briefly to maintain effervescence longer once you pour.
Preserve the bubbles
Pour sparkling wine slowly down the side of the glass rather than splashing it into the ice; finish with minimal stirring to avoid flattening the drink.
Use large ice cubes
Bigger cubes melt slower and dilute less, which helps the delicate elderflower flavor stay true as you sip.
Release lemon oils
Twist the lemon peel over the glass before dropping it in to spray fragrant oils onto the surface rather than relying on juice.
Garnish for aroma
Tuck the thyme sprig into the rim so it sits above the bubbles — the aroma will reach the nose with every sip without overpowering the floral liqueur.
Saint-Germain Spritz Variations and Substitutions
Non‑alcoholic elderflower spritz
Replace Saint‑Germain with 1–1.5 fl oz elderflower syrup per glass and use chilled non‑alcoholic sparkling wine or soda water for a similarly floral, alcohol‑free version.
Gin & elderflower spritz
Add 0.5–1 fl oz of gin per glass to introduce juniper structure and a slightly drier backbone that plays beautifully with elderflower.
Grapefruit spritz twist
Swap the Prosecco for a dry Cava and add a half‑ounce of fresh grapefruit juice per glass for a pleasantly bitter, citrus‑forward edge.
Herbal swap: basil or rosemary
Use a basil leaf or a short rosemary sprig instead of thyme to shift the herbal note toward sweet green or pine‑like flavors that complement the liqueur.
How to Store and Make Saint-Germain Spritz Ahead
This cocktail is best served immediately; once mixed the bubbles and brightness begin to fade. You can precombine Saint‑Germain and chilled sparkling wine in a sealed bottle and refrigerate up to 24 hours, but store soda separately and add it and ice only when serving to preserve fizz. If you do have leftovers after serving, drink them within a few hours—do not attempt to reheat, as that will ruin texture and aromatics.
What to Serve With Saint-Germain Spritz
Serve Saint‑Germain Spritz in large wine glasses with a small plate of light bites: prosciutto‑wrapped melon, goat cheese crostini, or shrimp ceviche are ideal matches. For a brunch spread include citrus salads and smoked salmon to echo the drink’s bright notes, and keep an extra bottle of chilled Prosecco and a jug of soda nearby for easy top‑ups. Offer a non‑alcoholic elderflower version for guests who prefer zero‑proof options.
Saint-Germain Spritz FAQs
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Yes—precombine the elderflower liqueur and chilled sparkling wine in a pitcher or sealed bottle, but hold the club soda and ice until just before serving to retain carbonation.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the Saint‑Germain by 25–50% per glass or increase the Prosecco and soda slightly; choosing a drier Prosecco will also help counter sweetness.
Can I use Champagne, Cava, or other bubblies?
Absolutely—Champagne adds richness and Cava brings a toasty note, while a dry Prosecco keeps the profile bright and budget‑friendly; just select a dry style to balance the liqueur.
What can I use if I don't have Saint‑Germain?
Elderflower syrup plus a dry white vermouth or a splash of dry Lillet can approximate the floral sweetness and body, though the liqueur’s complexity will be slightly different.
Why add thyme as a garnish?
Thyme contributes a low, savory herbal aroma that contrasts the elderflower’s sweetness and lemon’s brightness, making each sip more layered without altering the flavor dramatically.
About the author
Jake WoodsHello, I'm Jake. I started this recipe site with the idea that I hated recipe websites that overwhelm you with long stories and ads just to see plain content that's not helpful. My goal is to provide you with quality recipes, simple ideas and a fun cooking experience. There's lots of fun things to cook, and I think as you browse the site you'll find that TopShelf.Recipes is the place for quality recipes on the web.
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Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 1 serving (approx. 551g)
Nutrition values are estimated from USDA ingredient data and may vary based on preparation, brands, and portion sizes. Values are provided for informational purposes only.
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