Marie Brizard Elderflower 750ML

Marie Brizard Elderflower 750ML is a French elderflower liqueur bottled at 20% ABV (40 proof) and made with 100% natural flavorings. Scored 88 points at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, this expression draws on over 265 years of liquorist expertise from one of France's oldest spirits houses.

Quick Facts: ABV: 20%  |  Origin: France  |  Style: Elderflower Liqueur  |  Producer: Marie Brizard & Roger International

Production & Heritage

Marie Brizard was founded in 1755 in Bordeaux by Marie Brizard herself, widely regarded as the first French woman master liquorist. The company, now headquartered in Ivry-sur-Seine, France, and operating as Marie Brizard & Roger International, produces this elderflower expression using traditional maceration—a process of soaking grain alcohol with fruit and botanicals to absorb flavor—followed by distillation. The Elderflower liqueur is made with 100% natural flavorings and contains no preservatives, reflecting the house's longstanding commitment to ingredient integrity and its inherited blending expertise.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with smooth, unmistakable elderflower florals. Subtle green and herbal undertones develop beneath the primary blossom character.

Taste: On entry, the palate is gently floral and lightly sweet. At mid-palate, distinctive sap-like and slightly acidic notes emerge, adding complexity and keeping the sweetness in check. The overall impression is gourmet and layered rather than one-dimensional.

Finish: The finish is smooth and relatively clean, with lingering floral and sap-like qualities. It fades at a measured pace, leaving a pleasant botanical echo.

How to Drink Marie Brizard Elderflower

Chilled and neat in a small cordial glass, this liqueur reveals its full aromatic range; a single ice cube can also help open up the floral notes. Its balanced sweetness and moderate 20% ABV make it exceptionally versatile behind the bar.

• Elderflower Spritz: Combined with prosecco and soda water, the liqueur's floral brightness anchors this refreshing aperitif without overwhelming the bubbles.
• Hugo Cocktail: A natural fit for this classic Northern Italian spritz, where elderflower is the defining ingredient alongside mint, prosecco, and sparkling water.
• French 75 Variation: Replacing the traditional simple syrup with this elderflower liqueur adds a floral dimension to the gin-and-champagne classic.

Best For

• Building a well-stocked home cocktail bar with essential modifiers
• Hosting spring or summer gatherings that call for light, floral drinks
• Gifting a cocktail enthusiast who appreciates French heritage brands
• Experimenting with elderflower-forward cocktail recipes at home

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marie Brizard Elderflower taste like? It delivers a smooth floral character rooted in elderflower blossom, complemented by distinctive sap-like and slightly acidic notes that prevent it from tasting overly sweet. The overall profile is gourmet and balanced.

How does Marie Brizard Elderflower compare to St-Germain? St-Germain is the benchmark elderflower liqueur and sits at a higher 20% ABV (matching Marie Brizard's) with a notably tropical and honeyed character. Marie Brizard Elderflower leans more toward a sap-like, gently acidic profile with a cleaner finish, and typically sits at a lower price tier.

Is Marie Brizard Elderflower good for cocktails? Its moderate 20% ABV and balanced sweetness make it an excellent cocktail modifier, particularly in spritzes, champagne cocktails, and gin-based drinks where floral notes enhance the base spirit.

Where is Marie Brizard Elderflower made? It is produced in France by Marie Brizard & Roger International, a company founded in Bordeaux in 1755 and now headquartered in Ivry-sur-Seine, outside Paris.

What foods pair well with Marie Brizard Elderflower? Fresh goat cheese benefits from the liqueur's floral contrast; lemon tarts echo its gentle acidity; smoked salmon plays well against the sap-like undertones; light fruit salads amplify the elderflower character; and white chocolate desserts complement its smooth sweetness.

What sizes does Marie Brizard Elderflower come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Marie Brizard Elderflower worth the price? It positions as an accessible, value-oriented elderflower liqueur that competes directly with more expensive options like St-Germain, making it a strong choice for bartenders and home enthusiasts who want quality without a premium price tag.

Why Marie Brizard Elderflower?

Marie Brizard's heritage dates to 1755, making it one of the oldest continuously operating liqueur producers in France—and that institutional knowledge in maceration and blending is evident here. The 88-point score at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge validates its quality against a competitive field. Unlike many modern elderflower liqueurs that lean heavily on sweetness, this expression balances floral notes with sap-like, gently acidic complexity, resulting in a more nuanced modifier. For anyone seeking a natural-ingredient elderflower liqueur backed by nearly three centuries of French liquorist tradition, this bottle makes a compelling case.