Some time ago my brother asked me about a liqueur made from elderflowers, and it inspired me to do some research. What I found was a wonderful, sweet cordial with complex layers of flavors. Traditionally, it is paired with champagne or dry white wine—an excellent combination—but I wanted to find some great cocktails that highlight this fantastic aperitif

St. Germain is made in Paris, by a company dating back to 1884. The liqueur was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2007 San Francisco Spirits Competition. St- Germain is the first liqueur in the world created in the artisanal French manner from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms. With a subtle yet complex flavor, reminiscent of tropical fruits, pear and citrus, St-Germain is extremely versatile. It works well with just about every base spirits and adds character to most any cocktail.

The following cocktails are just a few great mixtures that highlight both the signature flavors and subtle undertones of St. Germain.

Brass Flower:

1 ounce London dry gin

1 ounce fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice

¾ ounce St-Germain

Top With Champagne

Shake everything but the Champagne with ice and strain into a flute. Top with Champagne.

The Cheap Detective:

2 ounces St-Germain

1 ounce Cynar

¾ ounce Campari

Grapefruit wedge

Stir with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

Bluegrass Cooler:

1 oz. Buffalo Trace Bourbon

1/4 oz. St-Germain

4 oz. Apple Juice

Pour over ice in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of green apple.

Apparent Sour:

1½ ounces Aperol

¾ ounce St-Germain

¾ ounce lime juice

Rosemary sprig

Shake with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with rosemary.

Pear Tree Martini:

2 oz. St-Germain

2 oz. parts Pear Vodka

¾ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 dash Angostura bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a slice of D’Anjou pear and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Although I have found St. Germain to be one of the most flexible liqueurs I have ever used, I wanted to present just a few cocktails with a wide range of appeal. If you haven’t yet discovered this wonderful liqueur, please do so! You’ll not only be thanking me but yourself as well! I can only hope that you find these enjoyable as I have. Remember…It’s 5pm somewhere!