# 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. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/saint-germain-spritz ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 25, 2026 Last Updated: September 24, 2026 ## 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. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 5 minutes - Total Time: 5 minutes - Servings: 3 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Prepare glassware and ice - 4 cups Ice cubes ### Combine elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine - 6 fl oz Saint‑Germain elderflower liqueur - 12 fl oz Dry Prosecco or other sparkling wine ### Top with soda and gently stir - 8 fl oz Club soda (or sparkling water) ### Garnish and serve - 4 twists Lemon twists (for garnish) - 4 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs (optional garnish) ## Ingredient Guide ### 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. ## Instructions ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 serving (approx. 551g)): - Calories: 243 kcal - Protein: 0.1 g - Carbohydrates: 17.3 g - Fat: 0 g - Saturated Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 0.5 g - Sugar: 16.6 g - Added Sugars: 14.8 g - Cholesterol: 0 mg - Sodium: 22.7 mg ## 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. ## 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. ## Notes 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. ### Storage and Make-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. ### Serving Suggestions 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. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### 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. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Lillet Spritz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/lillet-spritz) - [Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Blender Recipe)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca-easy-blender-recipe) - [Hemingway Daiquiri](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hemingway-daiquiri) - [Chartreuse Sour](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/chartreuse-sour) - [Savory French Spritz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/savory-french-spritz) - [Brown Butter Dalgona](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/brown-butter-dalgona) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)