By I’m always on the lookout for a fun drink that I can test on my adventurous wife and next-door neighbors. And I’m not too proud to admit that I spotted this one in my weekly Whole Foods flyer.
I was originally going to title the column “Your Father Smelt of Elderberries,” which I know is pretty weird, unless of course you’re a Monty Python and the Holy Grail fan – in which case you’ll recognize the insult hurled by the French guard, taunting King Arthur – “Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!” Here’s the actual scene from the movie, which also immortalized the line “I fart in your general direction.” But alas, I digress.
When I saw the recipe for an elderflower drink, I couldn’t help but think of elderberries, which are better known for medicinal purposes. This is not that and even if you have no affinity for crazy English comedy, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this floral-infused drink. It’s a perfect bubbly, refreshing beverage for late spring and early summer when thoughts turn to barbecues and family gatherings.
Elderflower Rosé Spritzer
No matter how many of these you drink, I promise you won’t smell of elderberries. Enjoy!
- ½ oz. Elderflower liqueur
- 4 dashes of orange bitters
- 4 ounces sparkling rose
- Edible flowers for garnish
Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes, then add the Elderflower liqueur and bitters. Pour in the sparkling wine and give it a gentle stir. Float a few edible flowers on top as garnish. (Makes one cocktail.)
David Pitlik is a corporate writer by day, a comedy writer from a previous life, and a lover of great food, wonderful drink and sparkling banter with good friends.
