Save Last summer, my friend arrived at brunch with a bottle of elderflower liqueur and a mischievous grin, insisting we elevate our usual mimosa game. I had never paired guava with champagne before, but the moment those three ingredients met in the glass, something magical happened—floral, tropical, and effervescent all at once. It became our signature drink that entire season, requested at every gathering until people started showing up with their own bottles in hand.
There was this one Sunday morning when I made these for a small gathering, and my neighbor smelled the guava through the open window. She wandered over with her coffee mug, took one sip, and completely forgot her plans for the day—we ended up laughing on the porch for three hours. That's when I realized this wasn't just a cocktail; it was an excuse to linger.
Ingredients
- Guava nectar: The tropical backbone that gives this drink its signature warmth and natural sweetness—use the bottled kind, not concentrate, and make sure it's chilled before you pour.
- Elderflower liqueur: St-Germain is the classic choice, but any quality elderflower liqueur works beautifully and brings that delicate floral note that makes people pause and wonder what they're tasting.
- Champagne or sparkling wine: Go for something you actually enjoy drinking on its own, because it matters—the bubbles are half the experience, so chill it thoroughly.
- Edible flowers or guava slices: These aren't just garnish; they're the visual promise of what's in your glass and they float like tiny treasures.
Instructions
- Start with the foundation:
- Pour 1/4 cup of chilled guava nectar into each champagne flute—this is your base, the tropical promise of what's coming. The cold glass matters more than you'd think; it keeps everything crisp and bright.
- Add the floral note:
- Measure out 2 tablespoons of elderflower liqueur into each flute and watch it swirl into the guava. This is where the magic begins, where you're creating layers of flavor that will unfold with every sip.
- The gentle pour:
- Top each glass slowly with champagne until it's nearly full, letting the bubbles rise and dance through the other ingredients. This isn't a rush—take your time and listen to the sound of the pour.
- Bring it together:
- Give everything a gentle stir with a bar spoon, just enough to marry the flavors without breaking the bubbles. You're looking for a subtle blend, not a vigorous mix.
- The final touch:
- Tuck an edible flower or a thin slice of guava onto the rim or let it float on top, then serve immediately while the bubbles are still dancing. This is the moment—don't let it sit waiting.
Save I'll never forget the moment my grandmother, who rarely drinks anything stronger than wine, tried one of these and got this surprised smile. She asked if she could have another, and we spent the afternoon talking about how flavors change when you're older, how things you never would have paired together suddenly make perfect sense. That's what this drink does—it brings people into the moment.
The Story Behind the Flavor Pairing
Elderflower is traditionally paired with spring and early summer, but guava brings a warmth and earthiness that surprises you—it's both delicate and bold at the same time. When you add champagne, you're not just adding bubbles; you're adding lift and elegance that keeps the whole thing from ever feeling heavy. This combination works because each ingredient respects the others, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this drink is how forgiving it is to personal taste. Some people love it sweeter, so they add an extra splash of guava nectar; others want more floral presence and nudge up the elderflower liqueur. I've had friends who swear by adding a tiny squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, and honestly, they're not wrong—it catches the light differently in the glass.
Perfect Pairings and Moments
These drinks are meant for moments that feel a little special, whether that's a lazy Sunday brunch or an impromptu afternoon with friends. They pair beautifully with light pastries, fresh fruit, or even something savory like smoked salmon—the elderflower is sophisticated enough to stand beside good food without overpowering it. I've also learned that this is the kind of drink that makes even a simple cheese board feel like an occasion.
- Prepare everything cold and you can make four of these in under three minutes flat.
- For non-drinkers, swap the elderflower liqueur for elderflower syrup and use sparkling water or alcohol-free sparkling wine.
- Make a big batch by multiplying the recipe and letting it sit in a pitcher for up to an hour—just add the champagne right before serving.
Save This drink has a way of turning ordinary days into something worth remembering. Serve it with intention and watch how it changes the mood of a room.
Recipe FAQ
- → What does elderflower liqueur taste like?
Elderflower liqueur has delicate floral notes with hints of honey, pear, and citrus. It adds subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity without being overpowering, making it perfect for enhancing lighter cocktails and sparkling beverages.
- → Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes, substitute elderflower syrup for the liqueur and replace champagne with sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The flavor profile remains similar with floral and tropical notes, just without the alcohol content.
- → What type of champagne works best?
Any dry champagne or sparkling wine works beautifully. Brut or extra brut varieties complement the sweet guava nectar and elderflower without making the drink overly sugary. Prosecco or Cava are excellent budget-friendly alternatives.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Mix the guava nectar and elderflower liqueur ahead of time and refrigerate, but add the champagne just before serving. The sparkling wine loses its fizz quickly, so pouring it last ensures the perfect bubbly texture and fresh taste.
- → What food pairs well with this cocktail?
The light, floral nature of this drink complements fruit platters, croissants, quiches, eggs Benedict, and light pastries. It also works wonderfully with shrimp cocktails, smoked salmon, and other brunch classics. Avoid pairing with heavily spiced or rich foods.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness level?
For a lighter, less sweet version, reduce the guava nectar to 2 tablespoons per glass and increase the champagne ratio. If you prefer more sweetness, add an extra tablespoon of guava nectar. The elderflower liqueur provides consistent mild sweetness regardless of adjustments.