The Classic St-Germain Spritz: 5.5 Ounces
The most widely recognized recipe for a St-Germain Spritz, often featured by the brand itself, produces a light and perfectly balanced 5.5-ounce cocktail. This ratio, sometimes described as the '1-2-2 rule,' creates a drink where the sweet, floral notes of the elderflower liqueur are beautifully complemented by the dryness of the sparkling wine and the crispness of the soda water.
Classic St-Germain Spritz Recipe
To make this quintessential version, you will need:
- 1.5 ounces St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 2 ounces dry Prosecco (or other sparkling wine)
- 2 ounces chilled soda water or club soda
Instructions:
- Fill a large wine glass or tumbler with ice cubes.
- Pour the St-Germain over the ice to chill the liqueur.
- Gently pour in the chilled Prosecco and then the soda water.
- Give the mixture a light stir to combine the ingredients without losing effervescence.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel and serve immediately.
Popular Variations and Their Ounce Counts
While the 5.5-ounce recipe is the classic, many bartenders and home mixologists prefer slightly different proportions to alter the drink's sweetness or strength. The final ounce count can change significantly depending on these adjustments.
The 6-Ounce Variation: Richer Liqueur Flavor
This recipe, sometimes called the '3-2-1 rule,' uses a bit more liqueur and sparkling wine, resulting in a slightly richer, more flavorful cocktail.
- 2 ounces St-Germain
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 1 ounce soda water
This variation is for those who want the elderflower notes to be more prominent in the flavor profile. It's a popular choice for cocktails served in slightly larger glassware, like a tall wine glass.
The 7-Ounce Variation: Bubbly and Refreshing
Some recipes increase both the sparkling wine and soda water, creating a taller, more effervescent, and highly refreshing cocktail that's perfect for a hot day.
- 2 ounces St-Germain
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces soda water
This provides a generous, long-lasting spritz that's great for leisurely sipping. It works best in a highball or large wine glass to accommodate the extra volume.
Comparison of St-Germain Spritz Recipes
| Recipe Variation | St-Germain (oz) | Prosecco (oz) | Soda Water (oz) | Total Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 1.5 | 2 | 2 | 5.5 |
| Richer Elderflower | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| Bubbly & Refreshing | 2 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| Epicurious | 1.5 | 4 | To top | approx. 8 |
The Role of Glassware and Ice
The choice of glassware affects not only presentation but also the overall volume. Large glasses with plenty of ice are traditional for spritzes, ensuring the drink stays cold and the bubbles last longer without over-dilution.
Building the Perfect Spritz
- Start with Chilled Ingredients: Use chilled Prosecco and soda water to minimize dilution from the ice. For best results, chill the St-Germain as well.
- Proper Ice: High-quality, large, solid ice cubes will melt slower than crushed ice, preserving the cocktail's flavor and integrity.
- Gentle Stirring: Stirring too vigorously can kill the carbonation. A gentle, single swirl is all that's needed to combine the ingredients.
- Consider Your Garnish: A lemon twist adds an aromatic zest, while mint or edible flowers can complement the floral notes.
For more cocktail ideas, the official St-Germain website is an excellent resource, featuring various spritz recipes and other ways to use the liqueur.
Conclusion: The Ideal St-Germain Spritz Is Subjective
Ultimately, there is no single, absolute answer to how many ounces is a St-Germain Spritz because the recipe can be tailored to individual taste. While the classic 5.5-ounce recipe is a fantastic starting point, the perfect pour is the one you enjoy most. Experiment with the proportions of St-Germain, Prosecco, and soda water to find your preferred balance of sweetness, floral flavor, and effervescence.
