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This Rosé Elderflower Spritz cocktail is bubbly, floral, and ideal for summer sipping. Made with vodka, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling rosé, it’s a light, easy drink for brunch or happy hour.
about this Rosé elderflower spritz cocktail
There’s something undeniably magical about a well-made spritz, especially in the summertime. My obsession started many years ago on a trip to Italy, sipping Aperol Spritzes on a sun-drenched patio in Rome. Since then, I’ve been deep in my spritz era, experimenting with all kinds of bubbly cocktails, from limoncello spritzes to Lillet spritz variations.
But this summer? I’m all about the rosé.
As a recipe developer and food photographer, I’m constantly testing drink recipes that balance bold flavors with easy techniques. I wanted something light and refreshing, with a hint of floral sweetness, a little sparkle, and just enough booze to make it party-worthy. After a few rounds of testing, I landed on this Rosé Elderflower Spritz. It’s floral, fizzy, and absolutely foolproof.
This recipe has quickly become my go-to easy summer cocktail for entertaining. It’s made with simple ingredients (both fridge and bar cart staples), takes less than five minutes to assemble, and looks stunning in the glass. Whether you’re hosting brunch, toasting at a celebration, or just want something beautiful to sip by the pool, this sparkling rosé cocktail is equal parts elegant and effortless. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This cocktail
This spritz checks all the boxes: it’s pretty, it’s pink, and it’s dangerously sippable.
- Made with just 5 ingredients + a garnish
- Bubbly, floral, citrusy, and refreshing
- Balanced, but not too sweet and not too boozy
- Easy to batch for parties
ingredients
Vodka. Go with something smooth and clean. There’s no need to get fancy, so a mid-shelf option is the way to go. We recommend Tito’s, Ketel One, or Stolichnaya. You could also play with the flavor by using Absolut Grapefruit or Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose.
Grapefruit Juice. Fresh-squeezed tastes best, but store-bought works too.
Simple Syrup. It is super simple to make at home! It doesn’t take long to learn how to make simple syrup and it’s a nice little money-saving option. You can also pick up a bottle at your local store (grocery or liquor). Swap with honey syrup or agave if needed.
St-Germain (Elderflower Liqueur). This liqueur adds a hint of sweetness and flower flavor. Elderflower cordial can work in a non-alcoholic version.
Sparkling Rosé Wine. Use something dry or brut so your spritz isn’t too sweet.
Garnish: Grapefruit Wedge. While it’s optional, it gives the drink a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma.
essential tools
A jigger or small measuring glass helps you keep the ratios spot-on.
A wine glass or spritz glass works best for presentation and allows room for ice and bubbles. There’s no need for a cocktail shaker!
A bar spoon or straw for a quick stir while assembling the cocktail.
how to make a rosé elderflower spritz cocktail
mix the base
Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and elderflower liqueur to a glass filled with ice. Stir gently to combine.
top with rosé
Pour the rosé slowly over the top.
garnish and serve
Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Chill your ingredients. Before making the drink, make sure the rosé, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice before making the drink. Bonus points if you keep your vodka in the freezer.
Use a dry (brut) sparkling rosé. This will help the drink stay balanced and not taste too sweet.
Want less booze? Skip the vodka and add a splash of sparkling water or club soda (soda water) instead.
Hosting a party? Mix the base in a pitcher and pour in rosé just before serving.
variations
- Make it a mocktail! Substitute elderflower syrup for the liqueur, skip the vodka, and top with non-alcoholic rosé or sparkling water.
- More citrus? Add a splash of lime juice or orange liqueur like Cointreau instead of lemon juice (or in addition to!).
- Berry twist. Muddle a few raspberries or a chopped fresh strawberry in the bottom before adding ice and assembling the elderflower cocktail. Fresh fruit/berries gives it a fun twist!
- Light sugar version. Use half the simple syrup or swap it for a lower-glycemic sweetener like monk fruit.
- Elevate the garnish. Add some edible flowers or a sprig of fresh basil or mint. You can even add a slice of lemon or slice of lime to give it a little something extra.
More rosé drinks to sip on: Cherry Rosé Mimosa | Lavender Rosé Royale | Sparkling Grapefruit Rosé Cocktail
faqs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything together except the sparkling rosé in an empty pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 4 hours. Give it a stir, add ice, and then top with bubbles right before serving.
What kind of rosé should I use?
A dry or brut sparkling rosé works best. Avoid anything too sweet or syrupy – it’ll overpower the other ingredients and make the cocktail overly sweet.
Can I make a big batch for a crowd?
Absolutely. Multiply the base of the cocktail (vodka, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, St-Germain) by the number of servings in the recipe card, then mix in an empty pitcher. Divide between ice-filled glasses and top each with sparkling rosé to serve.
can I make this a frozen rosé cocktail?
We don’t recommend making this a frozen cocktail in a blender, because you’ll lose a lot of the subtle flavors in it. This is not a frosé recipe!
Need more inspiration for a happy hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
what to serve with this rosé cocktail
This bubbly and bright cocktail pairs best with light bites and finger foods:
An easy charcuterie board is layered with whatever you have handy in the pantry and fridge! You can customize it however you like.
Creamy whipped ricotta takes only 5 minutes to prepare and you can customize it with different toppings as desired.
This summery caprese bruschetta is piled high with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.
how to store
This is a “serve it fresh” kind of drink. But if you’re batching the base, store it in the fridge (without rosé) in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Add bubbly when ready to serve.
more of our favorite bubbly cocktails
This sparkling whiskey sour is a lightened up version of the classic that’s ideal for sipping on a hot afternoon.
Sparkling blackberry vodka lemonade is bubbly and fruity, easily made in a big batch for a party.
For a non-alcoholic option, this sparkling arnold palmer is incredibly refreshing!
Finally, if you make this rosé cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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rosé elderflower spritz cocktail
equipment
ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz St-Germain
- 3 oz sparking rosé chilled
- Garnish: grapefruit wedge
instructions
- In a stemmed glass filled with ice, add vodka, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and St. Germain. Stir to combine.
- Top with rosé.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
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nutrition
about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
