As the seasons change, so do our tastes in cocktails. As winter ends, we find ourselves pushing the warming, drink-by-the-fireplace libations such as cognac and bourbon to the back of the liquor cabinet and reaching for the lighter, fresher spirits. One such liquor we've been in the mood for lately is St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, a new addition to the bar scene and currently a hot commodity.
Trend Spotlight: St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Made from elderflowers, a white star-shaped fragrant flower that grows wild in the mountainous parts of Europe, it is distilled using a secret process. For a long time, distilleries tried to extract alcohol from elderflowers, but the results were always too bitter-tasting. It was only fairly recently that the master distillers at St. Germain figured out a way to do it without the bitter taste.
The story of St. Germain is quite idyllic; the flowers are picked in the French Alps and delivered to the distillery on a bicycle. The bicycle is the inspiration for the aptly-named Bicyclette cocktail which incorporates St. Germain with champagne. The taste is light and floral, with hints of grapefruit, and makes us dream of sunny, grassy meadows with cows grazing, checkered blankets and picnic baskets full of cheese, fruit, and French baguettes. Other recipes include the Pear Tree Martini and The Versailles.
St. Germain can be found at most liquor stores or ordered online via K&L.
(Image: St. Germain)
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When we get tired of drinking plain or lemon-flavoured water, we use syrups in the water, very popular here in Europe. Our favourite is elderflower syrup. The local grocery chain also does seasonal yoghurts, and in spring, they do an elderflower yoghurt. Love elderflower!
view mschatelaine's profile
I have been looking for this but haven't found it yet. I am curious how the taste compares to elderflower syrups - I have one I bought at IKEA and I like it in soda in the summer.
Anyone tried both?
view faith's profile
I have tried both. The IKEA syrup, is exactly that--a syrup. *Very* sweet, but lovely & floral. The St. Germain is more delicate, floral and quite delicious.
But, you can't always drink alcohol & the IKEA is a great substitute. I like it in Pellegrino. The St Germain, I add to Prosecco or Cava (I would never add it to an expensive Champagne or sparkling wine).
I also used the IKEA syrup to brush on a vanilla bean genoise, filled with mascarpone custard & covered in whipped cream and fresh coconut shavings. It was delish and had that "je ne sais quoi".
In fact, I currently have both in my frig. Maybe I should go do another taste test now? :)
view beckaroo's profile
This is a new family tradition. My mom brought St. Germain out at thanksgiving while we were all playing after-dinner games. We loved it. She then ordered a bottle for both me and my sister (it isn't sold in liquor stores here, so she had to order online). Now we serve it whenever we all get together.
view brittanykate's profile
Had to order this at my wine merchant & haven't picked it up yet. Sounds great. Found St Germain's website with lots of drink recipes. It's really pricey. The elderflower yogurt sounds delish.
view passsy's profile
I served St Germain and prosecco at a small impromptu porch party, and it was a huge hit! It's not terribly sweet, and the floral bouquet is perfect for a light summer quaff.
view rahree's profile