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.
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!
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?
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? :)
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.
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.
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.
I chose St. Germain and champagne for my brunch back in February and it was a huge hit for me, too. So much so that my friends keep asking where I got it so they can serve it too.
If you love the flavor and aroma of elderflower, but are a teetotaler, or simply may not always want something alcoholic with your elderflower fix, I recommend Bottle Green's Elderflower Presse. It's a product of England, made from lightly carbonated spring water, elderflowers, sugar and citric acid. That's it. It has a lovely, floral bouquet, and it's light and refreshing. (I'm enjoying some right now.)
I think a friend who heads the D.C. Dining Society must have given me my first bottle. I now order it regularly by the six-pack from Amazon.com -- because it's a lot cheaper than buying it by the bottle at the local Harris Teeter. In fact, I ordered 2 six-packs and gave them away as New Year's "wee gifties" for my friends and neighbors, and they love the stuff as much as I do. I don't know if it's the floral scent or what, but in the summer, I think of English gardens in the country. In the winter, it just lifts my mood and makes me smile. A bonus? Only 68 calories per 8 oz serving and 17 g of sugar.
Could there be a more perfect beverage? I think not! Unless it's Bottle Green's ederflower and pomegranate presse -- which I haven't tried yet; but it's on order, and I'm looking forward to trying it.
So, next time you're looking for a delicious alternative to (yuck) soda, or a non-alcoholic elderflower refresher, give elderflower presse a try. It's, quite simply, perfect. :)
The BF swears by St. Germain's and Hendrick's Gin.
Actually, after a few of these, he just swears. :)
I forgot to add that I appreciate the information on the St. Germain cordial. I'll check my local retailers and, failing that, definitely will order it online. I can't wait to try it with champagne for brunch, or experiment with some of the elderflower cordial dessert recipes I've seen online. It also occurs to me that it might make a great salad dressing or lovely, savory sauces for fish & poultry as well.
BTW, did you know that elderflower (tea) is thought to help control blood sugar levels?
Update on Bottle Green's pomegranate-elderflower presse. Meh. The taste and bouquet of the elderflower gets lost in the mix. I prefer the straight elder flower beverage.
And -- bad news -- I've just found out that the sole Amazon.com supplier of Bottle Green's elderflower presse, Chef's Warehouse, no longer carries it.
Just ... boo.
Frankly, I think it's a bonehead decision.