The French Spritz is a light, floral, and bubbly cocktail that embodies sophistication in a glass. Made with just three simple ingredients—Champagne, St. Germain, and sparkling water—it’s a refreshing and elegant drink perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re toasting at brunch, enjoying an aperitif before dinner, or ringing in the new year, this spritz is effortlessly chic. With its delicate elderflower notes from St. Germain and the crisp effervescence of Champagne, this cocktail strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and fizz. It’s an easy yet refined choice that brings a touch of French elegance to any occasion. If you love refreshing, aromatic drinks that are simple to make yet feel luxurious, the French Spritz is a must-try!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces Champagne (or sparkling white wine)
- 1 ounce St. Germain (Elderflower Liqueur)
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- Ice cubes (for serving)
Directions:
- Fill a tall Champagne coupe or glass with ice.
- Pour in the St. Germain, followed by Champagne.
- Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Kcal: 145 kcal | Servings: 1 cocktail
The French Spritz: A Refreshing Champagne Cocktail with Elegant Simplicity
If you’re looking for a cocktail that embodies French elegance with a refreshing twist, look no further than the French Spritz. This simple yet sophisticated drink is a delightful combination of Champagne, St. Germain, and sparkling water, making it perfect for celebrations, brunches, or casual evenings on the patio. Light, floral, and bubbly, the French Spritz is a versatile drink that feels both fancy and effortless.
The Origin and Inspiration Behind the French Spritz
The French Spritz is inspired by classic European spritz cocktails, which are known for their refreshing, low-alcohol, and aperitif-style appeal. The term “spritz” originates from Italy, where the Aperol Spritz gained worldwide popularity. Traditionally, spritz cocktails blend sparkling wine with a bitter or herbal liqueur and sparkling water for a light yet flavorful drink. The French Spritz takes inspiration from this tradition but with a French twist—swapping out the usual Italian aperitifs for the beautifully fragrant St. Germain, an elderflower liqueur made in France. Instead of Prosecco, this cocktail uses true Champagne or another high-quality sparkling wine, elevating it to a more refined and luxurious level. The final touch of sparkling water lightens the drink, making it incredibly refreshing and perfect for sipping all year round.
Why the French Spritz is the Best Cocktail Choice
1. Elegant and Sophisticated
Nothing says “chic” like Champagne. The French Spritz exudes sophistication with its delicate bubbles and floral aroma, making it ideal for fancy gatherings, celebrations, or even a solo moment of indulgence.
2. Light and Refreshing
Unlike heavier cocktails, the French Spritz is light and crisp, making it perfect for warm-weather sipping. The addition of sparkling water reduces the alcohol content slightly, creating a more balanced drink that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.
3. Simple Yet Luxurious
With only three ingredients, the French Spritz proves that luxury doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s an easy-to-make cocktail that feels indulgent without requiring extensive mixology skills or obscure ingredients.
4. Versatile for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating New Year’s Eve, or enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, the French Spritz fits the mood. It pairs beautifully with light appetizers, seafood, and summer salads, making it a fantastic addition to your entertaining repertoire.
5. Healthier Than Other Cocktails
While cocktails aren’t usually considered a “health drink,” the French Spritz is one of the lighter options out there. It contains less sugar than many classic cocktails, and since St. Germain is naturally sweetened with elderflowers, there’s no need for added syrups or artificial flavors. Plus, Champagne has been linked to some potential health benefits, such as antioxidants from the grapes used in production.
How to Make the Perfect French Spritz
The beauty of the French Spritz lies in its simplicity. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Champagne (or any quality sparkling white wine)
- 1 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Lemon twist or edible flowers (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Fill a tall Champagne coupe or glass with ice.
- Pour in the St. Germain, followed by the Champagne.
- Top with sparkling water and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tip:
For an extra touch of elegance, use a high-quality Champagne and filtered sparkling water. The fewer impurities, the crisper the taste!
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about the French Spritz is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize your drink:
Citrus French Spritz
- Add a splash of fresh orange or grapefruit juice for a citrusy kick.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange or lemon.
Herbal French Spritz
- Muddle some fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme before adding the other ingredients for a herbal aroma.
Berry French Spritz
- Add fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a fruity twist.
- A splash of raspberry liqueur can also enhance the berry flavor.
Stronger French Spritz
- If you prefer a bolder cocktail, add a ½ ounce of gin or vodka for extra depth.
Perfect Food Pairings for the French Spritz
This light and bubbly cocktail pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Here are some top recommendations:
Cheese & Charcuterie: The bubbles and acidity of Champagne cut through the richness of creamy cheeses like brie, goat cheese, and camembert. Pair it with prosciutto, smoked salmon, or almonds for an amazing experience.
Seafood & Shellfish: The French Spritz enhances the delicate flavors of oysters, shrimp, sushi, or grilled fish.
Fresh Salads & Light Appetizers: Think arugula salads with citrus dressing, bruschetta, or caprese skewers.
Light Desserts: The floral notes of St. Germain complement lemon tarts, fruit sorbets, or almond biscotti beautifully.
Conclusion
The French Spritz is more than just a cocktail—it’s an experience. Its light, floral, and effervescent qualities make it a drink that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated brunch cocktail, an aperitif before dinner, or a signature drink for a celebration, this Champagne and elderflower spritz is a perfect choice. With its simple yet luxurious profile, the French Spritz is bound to become a staple in your cocktail repertoire. So next time you’re in the mood for something refreshing yet elegant, pop open a bottle of Champagne, grab some St. Germain, and enjoy a taste of French indulgence!
