Save Pin My neighbor knocked on the kitchen window one Saturday morning with a bottle of elderflower liqueur she'd brought back from a trip, insisting we make something special for brunch. I had guava nectar in the pantry left over from experimenting with tropical drinks, and suddenly we were pouring, mixing, and tasting our way toward something that felt both fancy and effortless. That first sip, with its delicate floral notes dancing against the bright guava sweetness and the champagne's gentle fizz, made us both pause mid-conversation. It became our unofficial signature cocktail for every weekend gathering after that.
I made these for my sister's engagement party on a balmy June afternoon, and watching people's faces light up as they took that first sip was genuinely magical. Someone said it tasted like spring in a glass, and honestly, that stuck with me. From that day on, this cocktail became the drink we pull out when we want to celebrate something, even if it's just a particularly good week.
Ingredients
- Guava nectar: This gives your mimosa its warm, tropical personality and beautiful peachy-pink color; make sure it's cold or the whole drink warms up too fast.
- Elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain): The secret ingredient that transforms a basic mimosa into something people remember and talk about for weeks afterward.
- Champagne or sparkling wine: Buy something you'd actually want to drink on its own, because the quality really shows through in every sip.
- Edible flowers or guava slices: These aren't just pretty—they hint at what you're about to taste and make the drink feel intentional and thoughtful.
Instructions
- Start with the guava base:
- Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of chilled guava nectar into each champagne flute first, watching how the color pools at the bottom like liquid sunshine. This is your foundation, and it works best when it's already cold.
- Add the elderflower magic:
- Measure out 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of elderflower liqueur and pour it gently over the guava nectar. You'll notice how the liqueur swirls slightly before settling in—that's the moment you know something special is happening.
- Top with champagne:
- Hold the bottle at a slight angle and pour the chilled champagne slowly until the flute is full, letting the fizz do its gentle work. The bubbles will create those beautiful layers of color and flavor.
- Bring it together:
- Give everything a soft stir with a bar spoon, just enough to marry the flavors without losing all those precious bubbles. You want people to see the little pockets of color as they drink.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with an edible flower or a thin guava slice if you have them, and serve immediately while everything's still perfectly chilled and fizzy.
Save Pin There's something about handing someone a glass that looks like a little work of art, watching them take that first sip, and seeing their whole face shift with surprise and delight. That's when a cocktail becomes more than just a drink—it becomes a moment you're sharing.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this cocktail is how flexible it is once you understand the basic formula. I've played around with the ratios endlessly, sometimes going heavier on the elderflower when I want something more floral, or adding a splash of fresh lemon juice when the guava nectar feels too sweet. My friend who prefers drier cocktails swaps in prosecco instead of champagne and uses less guava. The framework stays the same, but the drink becomes uniquely yours.
The Non-Alcoholic Route
Not everyone at your table drinks alcohol, and that's when this recipe really shows its versatility. I've made batches with elderflower syrup (you can find it online or in specialty food stores) paired with sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and honestly, they're just as delightful. The flavor profile stays true, and everyone gets to feel like they're part of something special.
Timing and Presentation Tips
The five-minute window is real, but here's what I've learned: prep your flutes and have all your bottles open and ready before guests arrive, so you're not fumbling around when people are watching. The whole operation becomes smoother and feels more confident, which makes the whole experience better for everyone. There's also something lovely about making these right in front of people—it feels less like serving drinks and more like creating a moment together.
- Chill your champagne flutes in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep everything cold longer.
- If you're making these for a crowd, set up a little station where you can batch them quickly without losing the magic of the moment.
- Taste as you go and adjust the ratios to match your crowd's preferences—some people love the floral note, others want more tropical guava shine.
Save Pin This cocktail has a way of turning ordinary moments into celebrations. Whether it's a lazy Sunday with close friends or a special occasion that deserves something a little extra, it delivers both beauty and taste without any fuss.
Recipe FAQs
- → What does elderflower liqueur taste like?
Elderflower liqueur has delicate floral notes with hints of pear, citrus, and honey. It adds subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity without overpowering other flavors.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the guava and elderflower mixture in advance, but add champagne just before serving to maintain carbonation. Keep the base chilled until ready to top and serve.
- → What's the best champagne to use?
Any dry champagne or sparkling wine works well. Prosecco offers a fruitier profile while Cava provides excellent value. Choose what you enjoy drinking straight.
- → How do I make a non-alcoholic version?
Replace elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and substitute champagne with sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Maintain the same ratios for consistent flavor balance.
- → Can I use fresh guava instead of nectar?
Blend fresh guava with a little water and strain to create your own nectar. Adjust sweetness as needed since fresh fruit may be less sweet than commercial nectar.
- → What foods pair well with this drink?
This cocktail complements light brunch fare like fruit platters, croissants, quiches, and salads. The tropical notes also pair beautifully with seafood or spicy appetizers.