I’m not normally one to share drink recipes so early in January, but this one couldn’t wait! It’s a light, fruity and refreshing hummingbird cocktail that is everything we need heading into the weekend! And with a name like hummingbird, it’s a fitting cocktail for the start of the new year! Read on to learn why!
HUMMINGBIRD COCKTAIL
A light sparkling cocktail made with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, club soda, and candied lemon for garnish.
The cocktail is named after one of my favorite birds, the hummingbird. Hummingbirds represent joy, love and luck and in my life I have often looked at them to be messengers from beyond. With the start of a new year upon us, I can’t think of a more fitting time to share the hummingbird cocktail and set the tone for joy, love and luck in 2021!
I first tried the hummingbird cocktail at a local happy hour spot which has since closed, but the flavors and name stuck with me. It was such an easy recipe to recreate at home, with only a few ingredients necessary, including the French liqueur St. Germain. St. Germain complements the sparkling wine beautifully, resulting in a well balanced, bubbly and botanical beverage. And since it’s light on the spirits, it could certainly be enjoyed as early as brunch or for an afternoon happy hour.
ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR TASTE
What I love most about this cocktail is well…everything, but especially the elderflower liqueur. Elderflower liqueur is versatile, has subtle floral notes and is not too overpowering, like some other floral liqueurs on the market. It’s light and elegant, with flavors of citrus, lychee and a hint of jasmine, also pairing well with Prosecco, gin and vodka.
CHOOSING THE CHAMPAGNE/ SPARKLING WINE
Since elderflower liqueur is quite sweet, it’ll be most compatible with dry champagne/sparkling wine. I recommend Brut or Extra Brut for a well balanced and a not too overly sweet hummingbird cocktail!
HUMMINGBIRD COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS
You only need a few ingredients on hand to mix this cocktail up at home:
- Elderflower liqueur
- Champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice
- Club Soda
- Lemon
Pour ice in two glasses, then top with elderflower liqueur, champagne, club soda and garnish with candied lemon. The hummingbird is traditionally served in a highball glass, but I got these beautiful new champagne coupes that acted as such an elegant vessel for this light aperitif!
Hummingbird Cocktail
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 45 (for candied lemons)
- Total Time: 41 minute
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Cocktails
Description
A light sparkling cocktail made with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, club soda, and candied lemon for garnish.
Ingredients
FOR THE HUMMINGBIRD COCKTAIL:
Ice
3 oz Saint Germain Liqueur (1.5 oz per coupe)
6 oz Brut or Extra Brut Sparkling Wine/Champagne (3 oz per glass)
Splash of club soda
Candied lemon or lemon twists for garnish
FOR THE CANDIED LEMONS:
1 lemon sliced thinly with a mandolin and patted dry.
1 cup water
1/2 cup raw organic sugar
Instructions
FOR THE CANDIED LEMONS:
Boil water and sugar together for approximately 2 minutes until sugar has dissolved.
Turn heat to low.
Drop lemon rounds into the sugar and water mixture
Do not boil but coat for and stir for roughly 1 minute.
Remove lemons from sugar syrup using tongs or a slotted spoon and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place lemons in oven and bake at low temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. Flip halfway through and remove from oven before they brown. Set aside to cool.
FOR THE HUMMINGBIRD COCKTAIL:
Pour ice cubes into two champagne coupes or glasses of choice.
Pour 1.5 oz elderflower liqueur in to each coupe.
Top each coupe with 3 oz of champagne.
Then balance each glass with a splash of club soda.
Garnish with candied lemon or lemon twists.
Serve immediately!
Keywords: drink recipes, cocktail recipes, hummingbird cocktail, spring and summer cocktails, st Germain cocktails, easy cocktail recipes
With about 9 weeks of winter and counting, this feminine and floral hummingbird cocktail is just what we need to get us through the next several weeks before spring’s arrival.
And with its light color and elegant flavors, it’s fitting for special celebrations of all kinds.
As a matter of fact, the Inauguration is just 6 days away and the Hummingbird would be a great beverage to sip while celebrating such a historical moment, and the good that’s ahead!
If you’re planning to serve the hummingbird with a meal, it would pair particularly well with citrus fruits, soft cheeses and seafood.
Enjoy!
And be sure to bookmark this cocktail so you can give it a try the next time you’re celebrating.
Cheers to joy, luck and all things good in 2021.
This post titled Hummingbird Cocktail was seen first on Posh Little Designs. All Rights Reserved. 2021.
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