The Fountain of Youth

There are certain drinks that, with a single sip, transport you back to a specific moment, a feeling, a memory. For me, the “Fountain of Youth” is one such libation. I first encountered this delightful concoction on a sun-drenched afternoon, lounging on a rooftop bar overlooking the shimmering cityscape. The bartender, a true artist with a twinkle in his eye, presented this drink with a flourish, and in that moment, it felt like a promise of pure, unadulterated joy. Each effervescent bubble seemed to carry a whisper of summer breezes and carefree laughter, a refreshing elixir that truly lived up to its evocative name.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yield: 1 Cocktail
• Dietary Type: Not Specified

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to craft this delightful potion:

• 1 1⁄2 ounces vodka
• 3⁄4 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• 3⁄4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 2 sprigs fresh mint leaves
• 2 ounces Prosecco
• 1 orange, for garnish (a wheel)

Ingredient Notes:

• Vodka: A good quality, neutral vodka will serve as the clean base for this cocktail.
• St. Germain: This exquisite elderflower liqueur adds a delicate floral sweetness and complexity that is key to the drink’s unique profile.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Bottled juices simply don’t compare.
• Fresh Mint: The mint adds a refreshing aromatic element. Make sure to gently muddle or bruise the leaves to release their essential oils without tearing them too much.
• Prosecco: The sparkling wine adds effervescence and a light, crisp finish. A dry Prosecco is generally preferred to balance the sweetness of the elderflower liqueur.
• Orange Wheel: This is for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.

Equipment Needed

To assemble your Fountain of Youth, you’ll want to have these handy:

• Cocktail shaker (or a mixing glass if you prefer to stir)
• Jigger (for accurate measuring)
• Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh)
• Highball glass
• Ice (cubed for shaking, crushed for serving)
• Bar spoon (optional, for stirring if not shaking)

Instructions

Creating the Fountain of Youth is a simple, elegant process:

1. Prepare the Mint: Take one of your sprigs of fresh mint and gently clap the leaves between your hands. This releases their fragrant oils without bruising them too aggressively. Add these leaves to your cocktail shaker.
2. Add the Spirits and Citrus: Measure and pour the 1 1⁄2 ounces of vodka, 3⁄4 ounce of St. Germain, and 3⁄4 ounce of fresh lemon juice into the shaker with the mint.
3. Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want the shaker to feel frosty in your hands, indicating the liquid is well-chilled and diluted.
4. Strain into Glass: Fill your highball glass generously with crushed ice. Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass. Using a fine mesh strainer in addition to the shaker’s built-in strainer will ensure no small ice chips or mint fragments mar the smooth texture of your drink.
5. Top with Prosecco: Gently pour the 2 ounces of Prosecco over the strained mixture in the glass. This will add a delightful effervescence.
6. Garnish: Take the remaining mint sprig and give it a gentle clap between your hands to release its aroma, then place it in the glass. Add the orange wheel to the rim of the glass or float it on top.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chill Your Glassware: For an even colder and more refreshing drink, place your highball glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before you begin.
• The Art of the Shake: A vigorous shake isn’t just about chilling; it also incorporates air into the drink, giving it a lighter texture and a more pleasant mouthfeel.
• Crushed Ice is Key: While cubed ice works for shaking, using crushed ice in the serving glass is crucial for this cocktail. It chills the drink rapidly and provides a pleasing texture that melts slowly, maintaining its integrity. You can crush ice by placing cubes in a clean tea towel or canvas bag and gently hitting them with a rolling pin or mallet.
• Mint Matters: If you find yourself without fresh mint, you can omit it, but you’ll lose a significant layer of aromatic complexity. A very small twist of lemon peel expressed over the drink before garnishing can add a bit of citrus oil.
• Taste and Adjust: While this recipe is perfectly balanced, personal preference can vary. If you find it a touch too tart, a tiny splash more St. Germain can be added. If it’s too sweet, a squeeze more lemon juice might be in order. Make these adjustments before topping with the Prosecco.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

The Fountain of Youth is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to savor its effervescence and crispness. Serve it as a sophisticated aperitif, a light celebratory drink, or a refreshing pick-me-up on a warm day. Because this is a sparkling cocktail made with fresh citrus and no strong spirits that require aging, it is not intended for storage. It’s a single-serving delight that’s quick and easy to whip up whenever the mood strikes. If you have leftover ingredients, store them properly: vodka and St. Germain can be kept at room temperature or in a liquor cabinet, while fresh lemon juice is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Unused mint should also be refrigerated.

Nutritional Information

While this delightful cocktail is meant to be savored, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note that these values can vary slightly based on the specific brands and exact measurements used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	217 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	3.5 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	18.4 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	3.2 g	12%
Sugars	13.4 g	53%
Protein	1.4 g	2%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual daily values may be higher or lower depending on calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic Fountain of Youth is exquisite as is, there’s always room for a touch of personal flair:

• Gin Alternative: For a slightly more botanical and complex profile, you can substitute the vodka with a good quality gin.
• Different Liqueurs: If St. Germain isn’t readily available, a good quality elderflower cordial or even a subtle floral syrup could be used, though the flavor profile will change. Adjust sweetness accordingly.
• Sparkling Wine Swap: While Prosecco is traditional, you could experiment with Cava or even a dry Champagne for a more opulent touch. A dry sparkling rosé could offer a beautiful pink hue and subtle berry notes.
• Herbal Infusion: For an even deeper herbaceous note, consider muddling a single basil leaf along with the mint.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: For a delightful alcohol-free option, omit the vodka and St. Germain. Increase the fresh lemon juice slightly and top with a good quality non-alcoholic sparkling wine or a sparkling white grape juice. A splash of elderflower syrup (if available in non-alcoholic form) would be a great addition.

FAQs

Q: What makes this drink called the “Fountain of Youth”?
A: The name evokes a sense of rejuvenation and timeless pleasure, reflecting the light, refreshing, and uplifting qualities of the cocktail.

Q: Can I make this drink in advance?
A: This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh due to the sparkling wine and delicate balance of flavors. It’s designed to be mixed quickly just before serving.

Q: Is it important to use fresh mint?
A: Yes, fresh mint is crucial for its aromatic qualities. Dried mint will not provide the same vibrant, refreshing notes.

Q: What kind of ice should I use for shaking?
A: Standard ice cubes are perfect for shaking. They chill and dilute the drink effectively.

Q: What does St. Germain taste like?
A: St. Germain is an elderflower liqueur that offers a unique, delicate, and slightly sweet floral flavor with hints of lychee and pear.

Final Thoughts

The Fountain of Youth is more than just a cocktail; it’s an experience. It’s a reminder to pause, to celebrate the simple pleasures, and to indulge in moments of pure refreshment. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this elegant and easy-to-make drink is sure to bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the ritual of creation, and let each sip transport you to your own personal oasis of joy. Cheers to a taste of timeless delight!