Name: Lemon & Elderflower Champagne Cocktail
Prep time: 2 min
Ingredients: 1/2 Ounce Elderflower Liqueur (St-Germain); 1 Splash Lemon Juice (Fresh Squeezed); 4 Ounces Champagne; 1 Lemon Twist

Lemon & Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

My grandmother always orders Champagne Cocktails when we go out to dinner, and champagne was the drink of choice at most of our holiday family gatherings. Champagne makes everything feel special – it turns breakfast into fancy brunch or a normal evening into a celebration. I can’t put my finger on why we all love to drink champagne to toast special occasions, but the bubbly wine is present for many of life’s most precious moments. That being said, I love having champagne any old time, but my champagne punch is dangerous and known to make people call in sick to work. I was searching for something light and refreshing to add to my repertoire. Enter the Lemon & Elderflower Champagne Cocktail.

St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur

While the Champagne Cocktail is a classic, it does feel a bit old fashioned, and sometimes you want something fresh and different. Elderflowers have been all the foodie rage, and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur has been benefiting from the spotlight. The sweet, floral, somewhat tart liqueur has been making its way into cocktails on menus everywhere. The bottle is gorgeous – I don’t want to take it off my counter! Just make sure to drink within 6 months of opening because there are no preservatives in St-Germain. The combination of the elderflower liqueur, lemon and champagne somehow feels classic and fresh at the same time.

Choosing Your Bubbles

Choosing which champagne, sparkling wine, cava, or prosecco to use can be daunting if you are not familiar with all of the terms. This article from Vinepair has a quick lesson in the differences. I tend to always buy Brut Champagne/Sparkling wine. Dry with a hint of sweet, it is great on its own or mixed for a cocktail. Unless it is a very special occasion, I do not buy French Champagne because of the price tag. If I do buy a nice bottle, there is no way I am mixing it with anything else. Sometimes you have to be a purist. The Lemon & Elderflower Champagne Cocktail goes great with a Brut, but would be fine with another variety as well. I spent about $20 on a decent bottle of Mumm Brut Prestige Sparkling Wine made in Napa and it worked fabulously with this cocktail.

Lemon & Elderflower Champagne Cocktail Ingredients

Once you have picked up your St-Germain and your Champagne, all you need is a lemon and champagne flutes. This cocktail is no fuss – there are zero complicated steps, though I did spend a few minutes making lemon twists. This is an easy way to make your drink feel extra special, and twisting that peel releases citrus oil that gives your cocktail a boost.

How to Make Lemon Twists

To make the lemon twists, cut the ends off of the lemon and insert a spoon between the fruit and the peel. Run the spoon around the fruit until it has separated from the peel, then make one cut to free it. This will give you one long lemon peel. Roll that up and slice, as if it were a cinnamon roll. Reserve the lemon juice for your drink. It is so easy! The whole process takes just five minutes or less, and it gives you multiple twists. Totally worth it.

Crafting your Lemon & Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

To make the cocktail, simply pour 1/2 ounce (small side of a jigger) of St-Germain into your champagne flute, then add a splash of your reserved lemon juice. Top with cold champagne, serve with a twist, and viola, you have your Lemon & Elderflower Champagne Cocktail.

The Verdict

This drink is both elegant and approachable, and a perfect addition to your cocktail repertoire. I am Really Into its classic combination, the ease of putting together, and how it impresses every time. Don’t wait for a special occasion to make the Lemon & Elderflower Champagne Cocktail, turn a normal day into a special one by making it. Cheers!