The Hugo Spritz is out, and The Stavros is in. This four-ingredient elderflower cocktail, a riff on the Hugo, swaps Prosecco and mint for rosé, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and ice, garnished with rosemary. It was created by Srdan Rogosic and shared online by chef John Gregory-Smith, quickly going viral with 1.2 million views on TikTok.
What is The Stavros?
The Stavros is a simple cocktail that includes 150ml chilled rosé, 30ml St-Germain (elderflower liqueur), the juice of half a lime, soda water, a rosemary sprig, and a lime wheel. The drink was invented by Srdan Rogosic on a past Greek holiday, hence the Hellenic name. John Gregory-Smith filmed himself making it while on holiday in Greece and shared the recipe with Metro.
According to John, who was at a luxury Greek villa during filming, "It's the perfect summer cocktail to enjoy by the pool and drink all day long." The drink's refreshment factor is key to its appeal, and it has been branded 'gorge' and 'divine' by viewers, with some suggesting adding vodka or gin.
How to Make The Stavros
To make the cocktail, fill a large glass with ice, pour in the rosé, St-Germain, and fresh lime juice. Stir gently and top up with soda water. Add more St-Germain to taste. Rub the rosemary between your hands to release the essential oils, then place it in the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel if desired.
The recipe serves one and is deceptively strong, especially in the heat, so it's advisable to keep a glass of water on hand. The drink is balanced, light, and thoroughly refreshing, making it a potential all-day session drink.
Why Elderflower Drinks Are Popular in Britain
Elderflower has long been a favorite in Britain, symbolizing summer alongside cut grass and the smell of rain on dry earth. Researchers have identified up to 59 volatile aroma compounds in elderflower drinks, creating a complex aroma with floral notes like Cis-Rose Oxide, also found in roses and lychees.
This complexity explains why elderflower works so well in drinks, tasting floral and sweet without being overpowering. The Hugo Spritz has seen sales reportedly triple in the three months to June 2026, and St Germain sales have increased 135.5%, selling better in Britain than anywhere else. Nicknamed 'bartender's ketchup,' it is less bitter than a G&T or Aperol Spritz, hitting the summer sweet spot for many.
