During the COVID shutdown of the early 2020s, Alec Gropman and his wife filled their days with long walks—and then a few more for good measure. From that restless routine emerged something bright, bubbly, and botanical.
“This cocktail inspiration really comes from my wife, but more specifically, from COVID cocktail walks through our Mount Pleasant neighborhood,” says Gropman, culinary and beverage director at By The Way in Charleston, South Carolina. “It didn’t take much experimenting to realize that bitter grapefruit juice, something herbaceous, and some bubbles were all elderflower liqueur needed to really shine. It was our go-to combo for weeks after that.”
The crisp beverage is now a mainstay on the neighborhood spot’s menu, which features classic cocktails alongside elevated American cuisine. For those looking to sip it at home on an unhurried spring afternoon, as the Gropmans once did, he notes that “a simple cheese board with sweet and salty accents will enhance the drink’s refreshing quality.”
