St. Germain Cocktail Recipe

St. Germain Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:14g

Alcohol:12%

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. Germain cocktail is a modern classic that was created in the mid-2000s, shortly after the introduction of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. This elegant and refreshing cocktail quickly gained popularity among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike, thanks to its delicate floral flavors and easy-to-make recipe. It's a favorite among those who enjoy light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktails.

How St. Germain Tastes?

The St. Germain cocktail is a delightful balance of floral, sweet, and tart flavors. The elderflower liqueur adds a delicate sweetness, while the fresh lemon juice provides a bright, zesty note. The sparkling wine adds a touch of effervescence and a hint of dryness, making this a light and refreshing cocktail.

Interesting facts about St. Germain

  • The St. Germain cocktail is named after the St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, which is made from handpicked elderflower blossoms in the French Alps.
  • The elderflower liqueur is often referred to as 'bartender's ketchup' due to its versatility and ability to elevate a wide range of cocktails.
  • The St. Germain cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'French 77', a nod to the classic French 75 cocktail.

Ingredients

St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

  • Why this amount?: At 1.5 oz, the St. Germain delicately imbues the drink with its signature sweet and floral notes without overpowering the other ingredients. Overdoing it could lead to an overly sweet and cloying drink, while not enough may result in a cocktail lacking depth.
  • Alternatives: If St. Germain isn't available, try using an elderflower cordial mixed with a bit of vodka - the flavor will be similar, though perhaps less complex.

Emma Rose

Fresh Lemon Juice

  • Why this amount?: Sitting at 0.75 oz, lemon juice cuts through sweetness and provides a tangy freshness that livens the mix. Too much and your pucker could be excessive, too little and your drink might taste flat.
  • Alternatives: Fresh lime juice could work but expect a sharper, more tropical twist.

Mary Mitkina

Sparkling Wine

  • Why this amount?: 2 oz of sparkling wine give the cocktail its bubbly personality and a bit of dryness, balancing out the liqueur's sweetness. More could dilute the other flavors, while less might make you miss out on the fizz that makes it special.
  • Alternatives: Any good quality prosecco or champagne will do, but each will lend its own character to your cocktail.

Alex Green

Club Soda

  • Why this amount?: 1 oz club soda adds more effervescence and lightness, helping to adjust the intensity to a refreshing level without overly diluting the drink. Too much and it becomes a slightly flavored soda, too little and you may find the cocktail too strong.
  • Alternatives: Try flavored sparkling water for a subtle twist on the carbonation. A dash of citrus or berry flavored water could add an interesting layer.

Emma Rose

Lemon Twist

  • Why garnish?: Besides its eye-catching look, a lemon twist expresses oils that perfume the drink with zesty citrus notes, heightening the aromatics. Skip it, and you'll miss a vibrant sensory detail that rounds out the experience.
  • Alternatives: An orange twist can provide a slightly sweeter aroma, or a sprig of fresh herb, like mint or basil, for a green, earthy note.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make St. Germain Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Top with sparkling wine and club soda.
  6. Gently stir to combine.
  7. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass before serving for a refreshing experience.
  • Gently stir after adding the sparkling wine and club soda to perfectly blend the flavors without losing the fizz.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Goat Cheese, or Brie pair delightfully with the floral and fruity notes of the cocktail.
  • Seafood: Shrimp and light fish dishes complement the crispness of the sparkling wine and the citrus touch from the lemon.

Main Dishes

  • Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken with herbs works well with the herbal notes of the St. Germain.
  • Pasta: Light pasta dishes with a lemon-butter sauce echo the cocktail's citrus profile.

Desserts

  • Fruit tarts: Lemon or berry tarts will harmonize with the cocktail's sweet and tart flavors.
  • Macarons: The delicateness of macarons matches the light and effervescent nature of the drink.

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What you could change in St. Germain

  • Elderflower syrup can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur.
  • Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice for a different citrus twist.
  • Prosecco or Champagne can be used in place of sparkling wine for a more luxurious touch.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Strawberry Basil St. Germain

  • Ingredients: Use fresh muddled strawberries and basil instead of the lemon twist.
  • Recipe: Muddle a few fresh strawberries and basil leaves in the shaker, then follow the original recipe.
  • Flavor: The natural sweetness of the strawberries will complement the St. Germain, while the basil adds an earthy note that contrasts nicely with the wine's acidity.

Sparkling Rosé Elegance

  • Ingredients: Replace the sparkling wine with a dry sparkling rosé and omit the club soda.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, substituting sparkling rosé for the sparkling wine.
  • Flavor: Expect a richer, fruit-forward profile with subtle berry notes that the rosé introduces, giving an elegant twist.

Elderflower Gin Fizz

  • Ingredients: Add 1 oz of gin and decrease the club soda to a splash.
  • Recipe: Add the gin along with the St. Germain and lemon juice to the shaker, follow the rest of the recipe.
  • Flavor: A more complex, botanical kick from the gin will create a layered and intriguing profile.

In case you forgot basics how to make St. Germain

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. Germain

What other cocktails can you make with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur?

In addition to the St. Germain cocktail, you can also use St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur in various other cocktails like the Elderflower Martini, Elderflower Spritz, and the Elderflower Mojito.

How do I store my St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur after opening?

St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur should be stored in a cool, dark place after opening. Although it does not need to be refrigerated, it is recommended to consume it within 6 months for optimal flavor.

Can I drink St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur neat?

Yes, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or it can be added to white wine to create a pleasant aperitif.

Is St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur gluten-free?

Yes, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur is gluten-free and can be enjoyed by those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

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