Elderflower Guava Mimosa Drink

My neighbor knocked on my kitchen door one Saturday morning with a bottle of elderflower liqueur she'd picked up at a farmers market, asking if I could help her use it before brunch guests arrived in an hour. I spotted a carton of guava nectar in my fridge and thought, why not elevate the usual mimosa? The moment that first sip hit the table, with its floral sweetness playing against the tropical brightness, I knew we'd stumbled onto something special. Now whenever someone mentions brunch, that cocktail is the first thing people ask me to make.

I served this at my cousin's impromptu baby shower last spring, and what started as a casual morning coffee became a three-hour celebration. Someone asked for seconds, then thirds, and suddenly I was making batches in a mixing bowl because I'd run out of flute space. Watching my ninety-year-old grandmother take a delicate sip and nod approvingly while talking about the florals reminded me that the best drinks are the ones that bring people together without pretense.

Ingredients

• Guava nectar: Look for pure nectar without added sugars if possible, usually found in the tropical juice aisle, and always chill it beforehand because warm fruit juice ruins everything.
• Elderflower liqueur: St-Germain is the classic choice, but any quality elderflower liqueur works and brings that sophisticated floral note that makes people lean in for another taste.
• Champagne or sparkling wine: Don't overthink this one, just grab something you'd actually drink on its own, because cheap bubbly tastes like cheap bubbly no matter what you mix it with.
• Edible flowers or guava slices: These are optional but honestly worth the small effort since your eye drinks the cocktail first.

Instructions

Build Your Base:

Pour that cool guava nectar into each flute first, watching how it catches the light like liquid amber. This is your foundation, so measure it properly and don't rush.

Add the Floral Layer:

Now add the elderflower liqueur, which will swirl into the guava and create this beautiful peachy-orange color if you pour it slowly. You'll actually smell the flowers releasing as the liqueur hits the fruit.

Top with Bubbles:

Gently pour the champagne down the side of the glass, tilting it slightly so the bubbles don't explode all over your hands. Let it settle for a second before moving to the next glass.

Bring It All Together:

Give everything a gentle stir with a bar spoon, mixing just enough so the flavors dance together but not so much that you lose the fizz. You'll hear the bubbles singing.

Garnish and Serve:

Drop in a paper-thin slice of guava or toss an edible flower on top if you're feeling it, then serve immediately while everything is still properly cold.

Save

There's something about handing someone a beautiful cocktail on a sunny morning that shifts the entire mood of the day. It's not really about the alcohol, it's about taking five minutes to say you're worth a little celebration.

The Ratio Sweet Spot

I learned this the hard way after making my first batch too heavy on the elderflower, which made it cloying and one-dimensional. The balance matters here because each ingredient needs its moment. The guava brings warmth and sweetness, the elderflower whispers floral complexity, and the champagne keeps everything light and celebratory. Once I started thinking of them as three voices in a conversation instead of just three liquids, everything clicked.

Non-Alcoholic Variations

After a few family brunches where some guests wanted something lighter, I started keeping elderflower syrup on hand. Just swap it for the liqueur in equal amounts, use sparkling water or alcohol-free sparkling wine, and you've got something everyone can enjoy together. The guava nectar stays the same and actually shines even brighter when it's the main flavor player.

Pairing and Timing

This drinks best alongside something light and slightly sweet, so fruit platters, croissants, or ricotta toast are your friends here. The tropical notes pair beautifully with strawberries or passion fruit, and the floral aspect complements anything with honey or vanilla. Serve it immediately after making each round so nobody ends up with flat bubbles.

• Make sure all your glasses are chilled before you start pouring anything.
• Keep the champagne bottle in an ice bucket between rounds so it stays properly cold.
• If you're making a big batch, prepare the nectar and liqueur mixture in advance, then just add champagne and garnish when guests arrive.

Save

This is the kind of drink that makes mornings feel intentional and friends feel celebrated. Make it once, and you'll find yourself reaching for it again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What ingredients create the elderflower guava mimosa?

The mix includes chilled guava nectar, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling champagne or wine, optionally garnished with edible flowers or guava slices.

→ Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes, substitute elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup and sparkling wine with sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

→ What glassware is best for serving?

Champagne flutes work best to showcase the bubbles and vibrant colors of the drink.

→ Is this suitable for special dietary needs?

The drink is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian friendly when using appropriate ingredients.

→ How should I garnish the cocktail?

Use edible flowers or thin slices of guava for a visually appealing and fragrant touch.