I made this drink for a random Tuesday and my husband asked what we were celebrating.
That’s the effect a little glitter has on people. 🥂
This cocktail is bubbly, citrusy, and genuinely sparkles in the glass. Not “sparkles” as in a figure of speech. Actual, edible glitter swirling around like you dropped a snow globe into your champagne flute.
I first made one of these for a friend’s birthday and by the end of the night, four people had asked for the recipe. So here it is, written down properly for once.
Side Note: if you’re into drinks that double as a mood booster, you’ll probably also like my espresso martini recipe.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into the glass:
- 2 oz vodka (gin works too, more on that below)
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 4 oz prosecco or champagne, chilled
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon edible glitter (culinary grade only)
- Sugar, for rimming the glass
- Edible gold flakes, optional but fun
- Ice
That’s it. Six ingredients and a little sparkle.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Champagne flute or coupe glass
- Fine mesh strainer
- Small shallow bowl for rimming the glass
Nothing fancy. If you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid does the job just fine.
How to Make It
- Rim your glass first. Rub a lemon wedge around the top edge, then dip it into a shallow bowl of sugar.
- Fill your shaker with ice. Add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Shake for about 15 seconds. You want it properly cold.
- Strain into your prepared glass.
- Top with prosecco. Pour slowly so it doesn’t foam over the edge.
- Stir in the edible glitter gently. A cocktail spoon works, or just give the glass a light swirl.
- Finish with a pinch of edible gold flakes on top if you’re feeling extra.
That’s the whole thing. Five minutes, tops.
Pro Tips
Little things I’ve learned from making these way too many times:
- Use culinary-grade glitter only. Craft glitter is not food safe, even if it “looks the same.” Check the label says edible or food grade.
- Chill your glass first. A cold glass keeps the prosecco from going flat too fast.
- Add the glitter last. If you add it too early, it clumps at the bottom instead of floating around like it should.
- Don’t over-shake once prosecco’s in. Shaking bubbles flattens them. Stir gently instead.
- Fresh lemon juice matters here. The bottled stuff has a slightly bitter edge that fights with the elderflower.
Substitutions and Variations
This drink is pretty forgiving, so feel free to play around:
| Original | Swap | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka | Gin | Adds a more herbal, floral note |
| Prosecco | Sparkling wine or cava | Any dry sparkling wine works |
| Elderflower liqueur | Simple syrup + splash of lavender | For an alcohol-light version |
| Sugar rim | Edible glitter rim | Extra sparkle, less sweetness |
Want it non-alcoholic? Swap the vodka and elderflower for a splash of white grape juice, and use sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine instead of prosecco. Still sparkly, just softer on the buzz.
Make Ahead Tips
You can pre-batch the vodka, elderflower, and lemon juice mixture up to 2 days ahead. Keep it in the fridge in a sealed container.
Just don’t add the prosecco or glitter until you’re ready to serve. Bubbles don’t wait for anyone.
A Few Extra Details
Calories: Around 180 to 200 per glass, depending on how heavy handed you are with the prosecco.
Best served: In a chilled glass, always. Room temperature prosecco loses its fizz within minutes.
Pairing suggestions: This goes really well with something salty. Think popcorn, potato chips, or a cheese board with something sharp like manchego.
Batch version: Making this for a group? Multiply everything by your headcount and mix the base in a large pitcher. Add the prosecco per glass right before serving so it doesn’t go flat in the pitcher.
Leftovers and Storage
Honestly, this one isn’t really a leftovers drink. Once the prosecco is in, it starts losing its fizz.
If you’ve pre-batched the base (vodka, elderflower, lemon juice), that keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days, sealed tight.
The glitter should be stored in its original container, away from moisture, so it doesn’t clump.
FAQ
Is edible glitter actually safe to drink? Yes, as long as it’s labeled food grade or culinary grade. Regular craft glitter is plastic and not meant to be consumed.
Will the glitter dissolve? Most edible glitters don’t fully dissolve. They’re designed to float and shimmer, which is exactly the effect you want here.
Can I make this ahead for a party? You can prep the base ahead of time, but always add the prosecco and glitter right before serving.
What if I don’t have elderflower liqueur? A simple syrup with a splash of lavender or a bit of white grape juice can work as a lighter substitute.
Does the glitter change the taste? Not really. Edible glitter is mostly flavorless, so it’s there purely for the visual effect.
Wrapping Up
This drink is proof that sometimes a regular night just needs a little sparkle to feel like something worth remembering. 🎉
Make one for yourself this weekend, or better yet, make a batch for friends and watch everyone ask what you’re celebrating too.
If you try it, drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or if you tried one of the swaps. I’d love to hear what you paired it with.
