Lemon Basil Champagne Spritzer
Summer is finally here, and this Lemon Basil Champagne Spritzer has become my go-to for entertaining. Lemonade and homemade basil simple syrup are shaken together, then topped with sparkling water and champagne and garnished with fresh basil and lemon. If you love my Champagne Bar or my Springtime Limoncello Cocktail, this one will be a favorite.
Moreover, the basil syrup adds an herbal sweetness that makes every sip feel fresh. Equally important, the syrup keeps for a week, so you can pour these all summer.
In essence, it is effortless summer elegance. Pour it at brunch alongside my Holiday Mimosa Bar.
What Is a Lemon Basil Champagne Spritzer?
It is a light champagne cocktail with lemonade, basil simple syrup and sparkling water.
Lemon Basil Champagne Spritzer Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Champagne
Dry, crisp bubbles.
Lemonade
Sweet-tart brightness.
Basil Simple Syrup
Homemade and herbal.
Sparkling Water
Lightens the drink.
Basil & Lemon
A fresh garnish.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
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Coupe Glasses
Wide-bowled coupes are easier to garnish than flutes and they photograph far better, which matters at a party where every glass gets a picture.
Champagne Flutes
Keep a set back for the toast — flutes hold their bubbles longer than a coupe does.
Standing Ice Bucket
A floor-standing bucket keeps two bottles cold and off the table, which is the difference between a bar that stays tidy and one that does not.
Tabletop Ice Bucket
A smaller bucket on the bar itself for the bottle currently in use.
Glass Syrup Pitchers
Small open pitchers are what get the syrups used — a guest will pour from a pitcher and will not open an unfamiliar bottle.
Glass Juice Carafes
Decanting juice out of the carton is the cheapest upgrade on the whole bar.
Small Garnish Bowls
A matched set of small bowls, refilled twice, looks abundant all evening.
Bar Spoon and Ice Tongs
A long spoon for stirring the syrups into each glass, plus ice tongs for the garnishes so nobody uses their fingers.
Champagne Stoppers
A proper stopper keeps an open bottle drinkable overnight, which turns leftover champagne into tomorrow’s mimosas.
Cake Stand or Riser
Height is what makes a bar read from across the room rather than looking like bottles on a table.
Small Chalkboard Labels
Label the syrups and the mixers. Unlabelled pitchers get ignored.
Berry Ice Cube Tray
Cubes with berries or edible flowers frozen inside are the one decorative touch that also does a job.
How To Make a Lemon Basil Champagne Spritzer
- Make and chill the basil syrup.
- Shake syrup and lemonade with ice.
- Strain into a flute and top with sparkling water and champagne.
- Garnish with basil and lemon.
Lemon Basil Champagne Spritzer
Ingredients
For the Spritzer
- 1 cup champagne chilled
- 1/2 cup lemonade
- 1 tablespoon basil simple syrup
- 1/4 cup sparkling water
- 1 lemon sliced
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
- ice
For the Basil Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Make the syrup. Simmer the sugar and water until dissolved, add the basil, remove from heat and steep 30 minutes. Strain and chill.
- Shake. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the basil syrup and lemonade, and shake well.
- Strain into a stemless champagne flute.
- Top with the sparkling water and champagne.
- Garnish with basil and lemon slices.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar — three cocktails worth shaking up next.
Delicious Lemonade Prosecco Punch
A big-batch punch that keeps the whole table refreshed and happy.
Pour a Glass →
The Perfect Raspberry Lemonade
Cool, tart and endlessly refreshing for warm afternoons.
Pour a Glass →
Variations
Prosecco
Swap champagne for Prosecco.
Mint
Use mint simple syrup.
Strawberry
Add muddled strawberries.
Mocktail
Use sparkling cider.
Gin
Add 1 oz gin.
Pitcher
Batch the syrup and lemonade.
When I Love Serving a Lemon Basil Champagne Spritzer
Summer Brunch
Bright and bubbly.
Garden Parties
Herbal and fresh.
Showers
Pretty and light.
Graduations
A festive toast.
Patio Evenings
Refreshing.
Celebrations
Champagne makes it special.
What To Serve With a Lemon Basil Champagne Spritzer
Something Salty
My Salami Chips or Caviar Potato Chips.
An Elegant Bite
A Showstopper Board
My Caviar Board.
Seafood Crostini
My Smoked Salmon, Dill & Caviar Crostini.
A Cocktail Flight
Set out my Martini Board.
Something Sweet
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
Basil Syrup
Refrigerate up to 1 week.
Make Ahead
Make the syrup a day ahead.
Serving
Pour the champagne just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make basil simple syrup?
Simmer equal parts sugar and water, steep basil 30 minutes, then strain.
Why not shake the sparkling water?
Shaking bubbles flattens them and can make the shaker overflow.
Can I use Prosecco?
Yes.
How many does it serve?
One spritzer.
Can I make it ahead?
Make the syrup ahead; mix to order.
Final Thoughts
This spritzer is summer entertaining at its simplest. With this in mind, I hope it becomes one of your go-to pours for gathering with the people you love.
All things considered, a great drink is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel celebrated. Please enjoy responsibly, and if you make it, I would love to hear how you served it.
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
