Serpentine is the drink that combines champagne or sparkling wine with the cool freshness of mint. The green colour comes from the Créme de Menthe, which here not only provides aroma but also a slight sweetness. The recipe thrives on the balance between the tart acidity of the lime and the sparkling lightness of the sparkling wine. A drink that works its magic after just two sips – perfect for quick enjoyment or as an elegant aperitif.
And here’s what you need for the Serpentine
1 cl Créme de Menthe (green)
10 cl champagne or dry sparkling wine
1 slice of lime (as garnish)
Here’s what matters
The trick lies in the pouring: Don’t just pour it in, but let the sparkling wine run over an inverted bar spoon hovering just above the Créme de Menthe. This keeps the green layer stable at the bottom and the first sip is intensely minty – the second already lighter. For even more precision, chill the coupe briefly in the freezer first so the layers last longer. Don’t squeeze the lime, just press it: the peel will later release a delicate aroma without dominating the drink.
Variations
- Serpentine Royal — Replace the sparkling wine with Crémant or a high-quality Prosecco. The finer bubbles make the drink more elegant, but the acidity remains present. Garnish: half a twisted lime peel over the glass.
- Serpentine Dry — Reduce the Créme de Menthe to 0.5 cl and use a brut nature champagne. The mint then only acts as a hint, making the drink drier and more tart. Garnish: a thin cucumber slice on the rim of the glass.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh mint instead of Créme de Menthe?
No. Fresh mint provides aroma, but no colour and no consistent sweetness. If you prefer a more natural approach, you can briefly press 2–3 fresh mint leaves in the glass before adding the Créme de Menthe – but the typical Serpentine look will then be lost.
Why does my Serpentine taste too sweet?
Either the Créme de Menthe was too much (1 cl is the maximum) or the sparkling wine was too sweet. Use a dry sparkling wine or brut champagne and pour it slowly to prevent the sweetness from mixing immediately.
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
Not recommended. The layers only last 10–15 minutes before the mint mixes with the sparkling wine. It’s better to add the Créme de Menthe to the glass in advance and pour the sparkling wine only shortly before serving.
