Number One Citrus Sparkler

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant sparkling cocktail combining fresh citrus juices with sparkling wine for a celebratory and refreshing drink. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice, elderflower liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Drinks cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur.
  2. Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20 seconds to chill and combine.
  3. Step 3: Strain into a chilled flute glass without ice.
  4. Step 4: Carefully top with 3 oz sparkling wine to preserve carbonation.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with a thin grapefruit twist, expressing the oils over the surface and resting it curled on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Number One Citrus Sparkler take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Number One Citrus Sparkler?

Refrigerate any leftover number one citrus sparkler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Number One Citrus Sparkler?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Number One Citrus Sparkler for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Number One Citrus Sparkler?

Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.