How do you feel about elderflower? Normally, I'm not a fan of floral flavours, but whenever elderflower is available, I'll have one - whatever it is! The flavour is quite strong, so it's not for everyone, but when it's combined with a bottle of sparkling Spanish cava and a generous glug of vodka, the result is truly divine - so much so that it has become one of my ultimate favourite cocktail recipes!
For this Christmas cocktail recipe I use Monin elderflower syrup
 and stand by it 100%. You don't need much to get the desired flavour and the stuff lasts forever. It's also the same brand used by Costa and Starbucks - so you know it's good!
When I was developing Christmas cocktail recipes, I knew I wanted to do something with cava and elderflower, but I didn't know what else to add to it. The Spanish cava I use is wonderfully sweet and has just the right amount of bubbles, making it the ideal base for a cocktail. You can also use sparkling white wine, prosecco or, if you're really flash, champagne in this recipe - I just use cava because I like it best, so feel free to use what you like best, too.
Back to the story. So I had cava for my base and elderflower for the main flavour...and I couldn't think what else to add. I thought about just leaving it at that, but thought you guys might feel just a tiny bit cheated with a two-ingredient recipe, so I went with vodka. I was going to try white rum - but we were out - so vodka it was! Vodka is pretty flavourless, so it doesn't taint the floral elderflower flavour, but it does add a seasonal dash of festive spirit - just what you need for Christmas day!
In my mind, this sparkling punch recipe is a Christmas cocktail, but it would definitely work as a New Year's Eve cocktail recipe, too - possibly even more so! It's not NYE without bubbles, right?
If you're planning on making this Sparkling Elderflower Punch, will you be serving it for Christmas or New Year's Eve?
Kia @ A View From Here
I adore the flavour of Elderflower.
Last year I served Buck's Fizz for our Boxing Day family get together (subbing OJ & Lemonade for our non-drinkers and the drivers). I was going to do the same this year but now I think I just might go for this (minus the vodka) and sub an Elderflower with soda water for our non-drinkers/drivers.
Nancherrow
I've never tasted elderflower, but this looks like a lovely cocktail! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Jenny @ Honey and Birch
I am joining the Foodie Fridays as a co-host and I'm including this recipe in my feature for this week! I have never had elderflower in a drink before, but I think I want to after seeing this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing it. I hope you stop by and link up more recipes this week - can't wait to see what you contribute!
Jenny @ Honey and Birch
#FoodieFridays
Cheryl@ Sew Can Do
I have GOT to get some of that syrup! Where do you buy yours? Will pin this as a to-make for New Year's:) Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do!
Nicola Quinn
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for stopping by! I live in Spain, so telling you where I buy this syrup from probably won't be too helpful! 🙂 The store I get it from is a huge one which sells every type of alcohol imaginable, so if you've got something similar close to you, I'd try there. Otherwise, there's always Amazon!
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas
I love elderflower, this punch sounds lovely and refreshing. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
Miz Helen
What a great punch! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you have a great week.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen