This Kentucky in May spritz is made with mint, bourbon, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling wine for a Southern-inspired spritz twist that’s ideal for spring and summertime sipping! It’s basically Derby Day in a glass, becuase I think of it as a mint julep spritz.
You'll adore this sparkling version if you love mint juleps or floral cocktails. Kentucky in May captures all the best parts of warm-weather drinks—the herbaceous freshness of mint, the delicate sweetness of elderflower, and the rich, smooth soul of bourbon—then finishes it with a bright, crisp pop of bubbles. Its perfect to serve alsong side this The Best Mint Julep Recipe.
Spritz cocktails have a reputation for being sessionable, simple to prepare, and infinitely versatile. This one keeps that easy-breezy vibe but brings a distinctly Kentucky bourbon heart. Whether you’re lounging on the porch or hosting a garden brunch, this cocktail is ready to become your go-to seasonal sip.
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⭐ WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- A touch of Southern hospitality in a glass! With mint and bourbon as the base, this cocktail is basically a Mint Julep Sprtiz.
- Ideal for spritz fans craving something new. It’s light, floral, and totally unexpected.
- Simple and elegant. Just a few ingredients and a beautiful presentation make it perfect for entertaining.
Key Ingredients
- Bourbon: Use a smooth, lighter-bodied bourbon like Four Roses or Woodford Reserve to complement the floral and minty notes.
- Elderflower Liqueur: St-Germain is the gold standard here, adding a soft and sweet floral layer.
- Fresh Mint: Either muddled gently or slapped to release oils—always use fresh!
- Sparkling Wine: A dry prosecco or brut cava balances the sweetness and brings the bubbles.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make this recipe:
- Step 1: Combine 1 ½ ounces bourbon, ½ ounce elderflower liqueur, and the leaves from 1 mint sprig in a spritz glass and muddle.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with ice.
- Step 3: Top with 3-4 ounces of sparkling wine.
- Step 4: Garnish with fresh mint and lemons.
💡 EXPERT TIPS
- Glassware: A stemmed wine glass gives that classic spritz feel and shows off the bubbles.
- Mint: Avoid over-muddling—it can turn bitter. A gentle slap is enough to bring out that refreshing aroma.
- Chill your ingredients: Pre-chilling the bourbon and wine keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
- Balance the sweetness: Stick with a dry sparkling wine to ensure the cocktail doesn’t become overly sweet with the elderflower and bourbon.
Kentucky in May AKA Mint Bourbon & Elderflower Spritz
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: stirred
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kentucky in May spritz is made with mint, bourbon, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling wine for a Southern-inspired spritz twist that’s ideal for spring and summertime sipping.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces bourbon
- ½ elderflower liqueur
- 1 mint sprig (plus more for garnish)
- 3-4 ounces sparkling wine
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, elderflower liqueur, and the leaves from 1 mint sprig to a spritz glass and muddle.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with 3-4 ounces of sparkling wine.
- Garnish with mint and lemon (or orange)
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