Cocktail Hour: Elderflower and Lemon Mint Spritzer

We have reason to celebrate today -  it's summer! And in my mind, it's the perfect excuse to gather your friends and family to toast the rising temperatures, beach days, and all the fun that comes with summer! For an early afternoon gathering, I am all about "white wine spritzers." They are light, refreshing and don't get you too inebriated on a hot day. For this spritzer recipe, elderflower, mint and citrus combine for a slightly tangy and herbaceous drink. 

Elderflower and Lemon Mint Spritzer

Ingredients: 

• 1-2 large bottles sparking water 
• 1/2-3/4 cup elderflower liqueur (depending on how large the pitcher) 
• 1 bunch fresh mint, muddled  
• 1 bottle sauvignon blanc
• 1/2 lemon, sliced into wedges 

Directions: 

1. In a large pitcher combine soda water, elderflower liqueur and mint. 
2. Cover pitcher, and place in refrigerator for two hours. 
3. You can serve this a few different ways:
1. Fill 3/4 of a glass with ice, pour in about 4 ounces of sauvignon blanc, top with the soda water combo, and garnish with a lemon wedge. 
2. OR fill half a champagne coupe with sauvignon blanc and the other half with soda water mix, and add lemon wedge. 
3. Lastly, you can forgo the wine altogether and just have the soda water mix over ice with lemon. 
4. Enjoy!