Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Vodka Lemonade: Your Ultimate Refreshing Summer Cocktail

Get ready to discover your new favorite summer drink! This Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail is a dream come true for warm weather gatherings, lazy afternoons, or any moment you crave a truly refreshing and unique libation. It combines the delicate sweetness of pear and elderflower vodka with a vibrant homemade lemonade simple syrup and the effervescence of Topo Chico. The result? Pure liquid sunshine, perfectly balanced and utterly delightful in every single sip.

This post was first published on July 4, 2020 and was last updated on May 19, 2021.

Creating the Perfect Summer Elixir!

From the moment I discovered Absolute Pear and Elderflower Juice Vodka at the store, I knew it was destined for something special. As a devoted enthusiast of anything and everything elderflower, its alluring floral notes instantly captivated me. Coincidentally, I had an abundance of fresh lemons, sparking the idea to blend this unique vodka with a refreshing homemade lemonade. This serendipitous combination led to the birth of this spiked Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail recipe – a truly divine concoction that tastes like summer in a glass.

What makes this cocktail so exceptional is its remarkably light and refreshing character. It’s a sophisticated yet easy-drinking beverage, making it the quintessential choice for sweltering summer days, backyard barbecues, or elegant garden parties. Each component works in harmony to create a vibrant flavor profile that is both invigorating and utterly satisfying without being overly sweet or heavy.

For precise ingredient measurements and detailed instructions, use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post or scroll directly to the bottom to view the full recipe card.

Homemade Lemonade Simple Syrup: The Secret Base

The foundation of this exquisite Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail lies in its brilliantly crafted Lemonade Simple Syrup. This isn’t just any simple syrup; it’s a game-changer that perfectly balances and elevates the delicate pear and elderflower notes of the vodka. The result is a beautifully juicy, sweet, and tart mouthful that sings with fresh flavor.

Traditionally, simple syrup is made by combining equal parts sugar and water. However, for this recipe, I’ve introduced a crucial twist: I swapped the water for fresh lemon juice. This ingenious substitution creates a concentrated “lemonade base” that is bursting with authentic lemon flavor, far superior to anything store-bought. This Lemonade Simple Syrup is the undisputed star that makes this cocktail truly exceptional. Once you try it, you’ll be imagining countless other ways to incorporate this versatile syrup into your culinary adventures, from other cocktails to mocktails, or even drizzled over desserts.

Using fresh-squeezed lemon juice is paramount here. While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, the brightness and natural acidity of fresh lemons are irreplaceable, contributing significantly to the overall crispness and quality of your cocktail. This small effort makes a monumental difference in taste.

Achieving Cocktail Harmony: Balancing Flavors

Creating a truly well-balanced cocktail is an art, and this drink exemplifies it with a deceptively simple approach. The core of this cocktail is a straightforward 2:1 ratio of the pear and elderflower vodka to our homemade Lemonade Simple Syrup. This mixture is then vigorously shaken with ice to ensure it’s perfectly chilled and thoroughly combined, before being poured into a prepared glass.

The final touch is a generous splash of Topo Chico, or your preferred sparkling mineral water. This addition is key, not just for fizz, but for adding a crucial “lift” to the drink. Unlike sugary sodas that can overwhelm the delicate flavors, sparkling mineral water provides a gentle effervescence that brightens the cocktail without introducing an overpowering amount of sweetness. It allows the nuanced notes of pear and elderflower to truly shine through, preventing the drink from becoming cloying.

While I often enjoy a slightly sweeter drink, I’ve learned that a well-balanced cocktail, one that is sweet and tart in all the right proportions, is far more satisfying and less likely to lead to that unwelcome “sugar hangover” the next day. This particular recipe strikes that ideal equilibrium. It’s sweet enough to be incredibly palatable, yet tart enough to remain wonderfully refreshing. After just one, you’ll undoubtedly feel its delightful presence, a true mark of a expertly crafted cocktail.

Essential Ingredients for this Sparkling Cocktail

Crafting this delightful cocktail requires just a few high-quality ingredients. Paying attention to the details of each component will ensure the best possible flavor profile for your drink.

For the Lemonade Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice: As mentioned, fresh is always best for cocktails. It provides a vibrant, natural tartness that bottled juice simply cannot replicate.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: The sugar balances the lemon’s acidity and creates the syrup’s luscious texture.

For the Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail:

• 2 oz. Absolute Pear and Elderflower Juice Vodka: This specific vodka is the star, offering its unique fruity and floral notes. Don’t skimp on quality here, as it truly makes the drink.
• 1 oz. Lemonade Simple Syrup: Our homemade syrup is crucial for that perfect sweet-tart balance.
• Topo Chico (or other sparkling mineral water): Provides the essential effervescence without adding excessive sweetness. Choose a brand with fine, persistent bubbles for the best experience.
• Large ice cubes: Essential for both shaking and serving. Large cubes melt slower, preventing your cocktail from becoming diluted too quickly.

Recommended Equipment for the Home Bartender

For any aspiring at-home cocktail connoisseur, investing in a few key pieces of equipment can significantly elevate your drink-making game. These tools ensure your cocktails are properly mixed, chilled, and presented beautifully, just like a professional bar.

• A sturdy cocktail shaker: Essential for thoroughly chilling and mixing your ingredients. Shaking not only chills but also helps to combine flavors evenly and adds a slight aeration, contributing to a better mouthfeel.
• A large ice cube mold: Large ice cubes (or spheres) melt much slower than standard ice cubes, meaning your cocktail stays perfectly chilled without becoming watery. This is a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference in drink quality.
• An elegant a coupe glass: This classic cocktail glass is perfect for showcasing the beautiful color of this drink. Chilling the glass before serving is a simple trick that further enhances the drinking experience by keeping your cocktail colder for longer.

These pieces are not just functional but also add a touch of sophistication to your home bar setup, making the process of crafting cocktails even more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Method for Your Pear & Elderflower Lemonade

Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of this sensational Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail. Precision and patience are key for the best results!

For the Lemonade Simple Syrup:

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir the mixture well to help the sugar dissolve initially.
• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. Continue to stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring that all the granulated sugar is completely dissolved. The syrup should appear clear and slightly thickened.
• Once dissolved, strain the hot syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, small bottle or jar. This step removes any lemon pulp or impurities, ensuring a smooth syrup.
• Allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating. This can take an hour or more. Using warm syrup in a cocktail will immediately dilute it.
• Store the cooled simple syrup in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best used fresh for optimal flavor.

For the Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail:

• Prepare your serving glass: Take a coupe glass (or your preferred cocktail glass) and place one large ice cube inside. You can also chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand for an extra-cold drink.
• In a cocktail shaker, add two large square ice cubes. These larger cubes are ideal for chilling without excessive dilution.
• Measure and pour 2 oz. of Absolute Pear and Elderflower Juice Vodka into the shaker, followed by 1 oz. of your homemade Lemonade Simple Syrup.
• Secure the shaker cap tightly and shake vigorously for approximately 10 seconds. You should feel the shaker become very cold in your hands. This ensures proper chilling and dilution.
• Strain the chilled mixture from the shaker into your prepared glass, pouring it over the large ice cube.
• Top off the glass with Topo Chico (or sparkling mineral water) until the glass is full. This last step adds the refreshing sparkle.
• Garnish and Enjoy! Add a slice of fresh lemon, a thin pear slice, or a delicate elderflower sprig for an elegant touch. Sip and savor this perfect summer cocktail!

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

This Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail is a versatile drink that fits many occasions. Serve it at your next summer BBQ, a sophisticated brunch, or simply enjoy it as a refreshing treat after a long day. For an extra touch of elegance, consider these garnishes:

• Lemon Wheel or Twist: A classic choice that highlights the fresh citrus notes.
• Thin Pear Slice: A delicate slice of fresh pear adds a subtle sweetness and visual appeal, complementing the vodka’s flavor.
• Fresh Elderflower Sprig: If available, a small sprig of fresh elderflower can enhance the aromatic experience and make for a beautiful presentation.
• Edible Flowers: A few petals of pansies or violas can add a pop of color and charm.

For larger gatherings, you can batch the vodka and simple syrup mixture ahead of time (without ice) and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply shake individual portions with ice and top with sparkling water. This ensures every cocktail is perfectly fresh and bubbly.

Variations and Tips for Customizing Your Drink

While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Non-Alcoholic Version: To create a delicious mocktail, simply omit the vodka and increase the amount of lemonade simple syrup and sparkling water to taste. It makes a fantastic family-friendly refresher!
• Different Vodkas: If Absolute Pear and Elderflower Juice Vodka isn’t available, you can try a plain quality vodka and add a splash of elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) and a tiny dash of pear nectar to achieve a similar flavor profile.
• Sparkling Water Alternatives: Instead of Topo Chico, feel free to use club soda, seltzer, or even a dry sparkling wine (like Prosecco or Cava) for an extra special touch.
• Herbaceous Twist: Muddle a few mint leaves or a sprig of thyme in your shaker before adding the other ingredients for an intriguing herbal complexity.
• Frozen Option: For an ultra-chilled summer treat, blend the vodka and simple syrup with ice until slushy, then top with sparkling water in the glass.

More Delightful Cocktail Creations

If you thoroughly enjoyed crafting and sipping this Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade cocktail, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic drink recipes, perfect for any season or celebration:

• Bourbon Brown Sugar Old Fashioned: A warm and inviting classic with a sweet twist, ideal for cozy evenings.
• Sparkling Pumpkin Juice: A whimsical and festive drink that’s perfect for autumn gatherings, blending the flavors of pumpkin and fizz.
• Topo Chico Margarita: A light and refreshing take on the traditional margarita, utilizing sparkling mineral water for a crisp finish.
• Classic Irish Coffee: A comforting and invigorating blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and cream – the perfect pick-me-up.
• Peppermint Chai Eggnog Cocktail: A decadent and spiced holiday treat, combining festive flavors for a truly unique celebration.

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📖 Recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail

Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
10 minutes

Discover the perfect summer drink with this light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail, featuring homemade lemon simple syrup.

Ingredients

for the Lemonade Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup fresh squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar

for the Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail:

• 2 oz Absolute Pear and Elderflower Juice Vodka
• 1 oz Lemonade Simple Syrup
• Topo Chico or other Sparkling Mineral Water
• Cocktail Shaker
• Large Ice Cubes
• Coupe Glass, chilled

Instructions

for the Lemonade Simple Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, stir together the fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, continuing to stir for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is clear.
2. Strain the hot mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bottle or jar. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before using. Store any leftover simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

for the Sparkling Pear and Elderflower Lemonade Cocktail:

1. Prepare your chilled coupe glass by placing one large ice cube inside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add two large square ice cubes. Pour in the 2 oz of Absolute Pear and Elderflower Juice Vodka and 1 oz of the cooled Lemonade Simple Syrup over the ice.
3. Secure the shaker cap tightly and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail mixture into your prepared coupe glass, pouring it over the large ice cube.
5. Top with Topo Chico (or your choice of sparkling mineral water) to fill the glass. Garnish with a lemon slice or a thin pear slice, and Enjoy your perfectly crafted summer drink!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Tovolo King Cube Ice Mold Tray, Long Lasting Sturdy Silicone, Fade-Resistant, 2 Inch Cubes, Stratus Blue
• Riedel Veritas Coupe Glasses, 2 Count (Pack of 1), Clear
• Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water, Classic, 12 fl oz, 4 pk Glass
• DOMINO FOODS Sugar Granulated, 10 lb
• Organic Lemons, 2 lb Bag

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving:
Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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