Elderflower Guava Mimosa

My friend Sophie brought back a bottle of St-Germain from Paris last spring, and we spent an entire afternoon experimenting with it on her balcony. The elderflower scent is unlike anything else, floral but not perfume, delicate but distinct. When I paired it with guava nectar from the international market, something magical happened. This became our go-to brunch mimosa instantly.

Last Mother's Day, I made a pitcher of these for my family. The kitchen smelled like sunshine and flowers as I poured the guava nectar into each glass. My mom usually skips mimosas, but she had two. Watching her laugh with sisters around the table, glasses clinking, made the morning feel special without any fuss.

Ingredients

• Guava nectar: Use chilled nectar for the brightest flavor and nice cold base
• Elderflower liqueur: St-Germain is the classic choice but any elderflower liqueur works beautifully
• Champagne or sparkling wine: Something dry and crisp cuts through the sweet guava perfectly
• Edible flowers or guava slices: These make the drinks feel fancy without requiring real effort

Instructions

Prep your glasses:

Champagne flutes work best but any tall glass shows off the pretty pink color

Add the guava base:

Pour about 1/4 cup guava nectar into each flute first, this creates the layered look

Pour in the elderflower:

Add 2 tablespoons elderflower liqueur to each glass, adjusting based on how floral you like it

Top with champagne:

Gently fill each glass with chilled champagne, pouring slowly down the side

Give it a quick stir:

Use a bar spoon to gently fold everything together once

Garnish if you want:

Tuck an edible flower into the rim or float a thin guava slice on top

Save

These became my signature contribution to friend brunches because they look impressive but take zero skill. Someone always asks for the recipe, and I love explaining the elderflower secret.

Making It Non-Alcoholic

Swap the elderflower liqueur for elderflower syrup, which has the same floral flavor without the alcohol. Replace champagne with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. The result is just as pretty and refreshing.

Batching For A Crowd

Mix the guava nectar and elderflower liqueur in a pitcher ahead of time and keep chilled. When guests arrive, pour about 1/3 cup of the mixture into each glass and top with champagne. This keeps you playing host instead of playing bartender.

Perfect Brunch Pairings

The tropical sweetness complements both sweet and savory brunch foods beautifully. Fruit platters, especially with melon and berries, are natural matches. Light pastries like croissants or scones work well too. For something savory, try it with quiche or avocado toast. The bubbles cleanse your palate between bites.

• Chill your champagne flutes in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving
• If you cannot find guava nectar, passion fruit or mango make decent substitutes
• Make sure everything is well chilled before you start assembling

Save

These bring such a lovely energy to any gathering, and the way the light catches them through the glass makes everything feel a little more celebratory.

Questions & Answers

→ What does elderflower guava mimosa taste like?

The combination offers delicate floral sweetness from elderflower balanced by tropical guava notes, with crisp champagne adding brightness and effervescence. The result is refreshing yet sophisticated.

→ Can I make elderflower guava mimosas ahead?

Prepare the guava and elderflower mixture in advance, but add champagne just before serving. This maintains carbonation and ensures the freshest, most vibrant experience for your guests.

→ What champagne works best for this cocktail?

Any dry sparkling wine or prosecco works beautifully. Choose a bottle you enjoy drinking straight, as the quality directly impacts the final balance of flavors in your glass.

→ 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. The flavor profile remains similarly floral and refreshing.

→ What garnishes complement this cocktail?

Thin guava slices add tropical flair, while edible flowers like pansies or violas enhance the elegant presentation. Fresh mint or lemon twists also work beautifully for aromatic appeal.