St Tropez Cocktail Recipe

St Tropez Nutrition Facts

Calories:~150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~11g

Alcohol:~14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The St Tropez cocktail is a refreshing drink that embodies the spirit of the French Riviera. It's a relatively modern cocktail, gaining popularity for its light and floral notes, which make it a favorite among those who enjoy a less intense alcoholic experience.

  • Origins: While the exact origins are unclear, the cocktail's name suggests a connection to the luxurious and sunny St Tropez in France.
  • Popularity: It's often enjoyed by individuals who appreciate the finer things in life and has become a staple at upscale beachside bars.
  • Experience: As a bartender, I've noticed that this cocktail is particularly popular during the summer months, when guests are looking for something to cool them down without overwhelming their palate.

How St Tropez Tastes?

The St Tropez cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet and sour, with the elderflower liqueur providing a delicate floral sweetness that is balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice. The vodka adds a clean, crisp spirit base, while the soda water or tonic introduces a fizzy lightness that makes the drink refreshing and easy to sip.

Interesting facts about St Tropez

  • The St Tropez cocktail is versatile and can be served with either soda water for a more subdued taste or tonic for a slightly bitter edge.
  • It's a perfect day-time drink, especially popular for brunches and afternoon gatherings.
  • The cocktail's elegant presentation and association with the chic French Riviera make it a fashionable choice for themed parties and events.

Ingredients

A few good options for St Tropez are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Absolut Citron Vodka

The zest from Absolut Citron brings a vibrant citrus kick to our St Tropez, lifting spirits as surely as the Mediterranean sun. With 0.85oz, you're getting the perfect balance - not too boozy, not too meek. If you skimp on this, your cocktail may not sail so smoothly on the flavor sea. An alternative? Try a standard vodka and add a zest of lemon for a similar zippiness.

Emma Rose

St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur

With a subtle floral bouquet, 0.85oz of St-Germain whispers of floral fields and gives our cocktail a je ne sais quoi charm. Too much could overpower the drink with sweetness, while too little would leave it feeling incomplete. If St-Germain is scarce, a floral gin could step in, but expect a more botanical garden than a French floral one.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

Half the fun is in the tartness! 0.42oz lemon juice provides just the right pucker without turning your smile upside down. Miss out on this, and the balance tips - it's like a day at the beach without the sun! A lime could pinch-hit for lemon, offering a slightly more tropical tang.

Alex Green

Soda Water or Tonic

To top it off, the soda or tonic brings the bubbles that make our St Tropez sparkle like the sea at sunrise. It's the refreshing wave that carries all the other flavors ashore. Opt for tonic if you favor a bitter twist, or stick with soda for pure effervescence.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make St Tropez Drink

  1. Glass: Use a Collins glass.
  2. Combine: Shake the Absolut Citron vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice with ice.
  3. Strain: Pour the mixture into an ice-filled Collins glass through a strainer.
  4. Top: Gently add soda water or tonic to fill the glass, and stir well.
  5. Garnish: Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils and then drop it in as a garnish.

Pro Tips

  • Chill the Glass: Before preparing the cocktail, chill the Collins glass to keep the drink cooler for longer.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Gentle Stir: When topping with soda or tonic, stir gently to preserve the carbonation.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Appetizers: The refreshing nature of the St Tropez cocktail makes it a perfect companion for light appetizers. Think Crudités with a Yogurt Dip or Shrimp Cocktail — the cocktail's citrus tones will complement the seafood exquisitely.

Salads: Opt for a Goat Cheese Salad with Pears or a Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing. The elderflower's floral notes will dance nicely with the freshness of the greens.

Main Courses: Try pairing with delicate fish dishes or chicken seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary. A Lemon Herb Chicken or a Grilled White Fish with a Citrus Marinade would be magnificent.

Drink Pairings

Aside from water, this cocktail is versatile enough to go alongside a glass of Prosecco or a light Sauvignon Blanc, but ensure to moderate the alcohol intake!

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What you could change in St Tropez

  • Vodka: If Absolut Citron is unavailable, any good quality citrus-flavored vodka can be used.
  • Elderflower Liqueur: In the absence of St-Germain, an alternative elderflower cordial or syrup may be substituted, though the alcohol content will differ.
  • Soda Water/Tonic: Depending on personal preference, these can be interchanged or even mixed.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Côte d'Azur Spritz

  • Ingredients: Replace Absolut Citron with Aperol and add a splash of Prosecco.
  • Recipe: Mix Aperol with St-Germain and lemon juice, top with Prosecco, and serve over ice.
  • Description: This adds an Italian Riviera twist with the Aperol providing a bittersweet complexity contrasting the floral St-Germain, while Prosecco adds a touch of elegance.

Lavender Fields

  • Ingredients: Include a 0.25oz homemade lavender syrup.
  • Recipe: Add the lavender syrup to the original ingredients, shake well, and strain into the glass.
  • Description: Introducing lavender syrup puts a Provençal spin on the St Tropez, infusing a fragrant herbal note that will transport you to purple-scented fields under the French sun.

Mint Riviera

  • Ingredients: Add a few fresh mint leaves.
  • Recipe: Muddle the mint leaves gently before adding the other ingredients. Shake and serve as usual.
  • Description: Mint adds a cool, fresh layer to the cocktail, making it even more refreshing and perfect for hot summer days on the beach.

In case you forgot basics how to make St Tropez

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on St Tropez

Can the St Tropez cocktail be made in large batches for parties?

Yes, the St Tropez cocktail can be made in larger quantities. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, and mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl, adding the soda water or tonic right before serving to maintain the fizz.

Is the St Tropez cocktail suitable for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks?

No, the St Tropez cocktail contains vodka and elderflower liqueur, which are both alcoholic. However, a mocktail version can be made by omitting the alcohol and using elderflower syrup and lemon tonic or flavored carbonated water instead.

What are the best conditions for storing vodka?

Vodka should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Ideally, it should be kept at a constant temperature to preserve its quality.

Can I use regular vodka if I don't have citrus-flavored vodka?

Certainly, regular vodka can be used, but you may want to add a bit of fresh citrus zest or a splash of citrus juice to get that hint of citrus flavor that complements the elderflower.

What is the difference between soda water and tonic?

Soda water is plain carbonated water with no added sweeteners or flavors. Tonic water, on the other hand, contains quinine, which gives it a slightly bitter taste, and often some sweetener, making it a bit sweeter than soda water.

How can I achieve a perfect lemon twist garnish?

Use a channel knife or vegetable peeler to cut a long, thin strip of lemon peel, avoiding the white pith. Twist the peel over the cocktail to release the essential oils and then drape it on the rim of the glass or drop it into the drink.

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