St-Germain is a popular French liqueur made from elderflowers that imparts subtle sweet and floral flavors. Many people wonder if St-Germain tastes sweet or more like a dry, herbal liqueur. The short answer is that yes, St-Germain does have a sweet taste, but it is balanced by some tart, citrusy notes from the elderflowers.
The Flavor Profile of St-Germain
St-Germain liqueur is made by macerating handpicked elderflower blossoms in a grape spirit base. The elderflowers impart a delicate, perfumed aroma and flavors of pear, lychee, and musk. There is a mild sweetness to St-Germain, but it is not cloying or sugary sweet. The sweetness is tempered by bright, citrusy notes and a touch of tartness from the natural acids in the elderflowers.
Overall, the flavor of St-Germain could be described as sweet yet delicate with pronounced floral and fruity notes. The sweetness comes across as honeyed rather than being syrupy. The finish is smooth and slightly dry rather than sticky or sugary.
Sweetness Level
On a technical level, St-Germain liqueur contains 20% sugar, which does make it sweeter than dry liqueurs like Campari or Chartreuse. However, it contains about half the sugar of very sweet liqueurs like chocolate or coffee liqueurs. So while St-Germain is sweet, it is not nearly as sugary or syrupy as many other liqueurs on the market.
Balance of Flavors
The key thing about the sweetness in St-Germain is that it is extremely well balanced by the elderflower flavors. The tart, bright fruit notes keep the sweetness in check and prevent it from being cloying. The subtle citrus and delicate florals round out the flavor for a pleasant, nuanced tasting liqueur.
How Best to Enjoy St-Germain
Due to its balanced sweet-tart flavor, St-Germain is very versatile for cocktails. It can be mixed with sparkling wine for a light, floral spritz or added to gin or vodka cocktails in place of syrups for a more complex sweetener. Here are some serving tips for St-Germain:
On its Own
St-Germain can be enjoyed straight up over ice or mixed into sparkling wine or champagne. The liqueur’s delicacy shines when served this way.
With Bubbles
Mix St-Germain with sparkling wine, Prosecco, or club soda for refreshing, lightly sweet cocktails.
With Gin or Vodka
Use St-Germain in place of sugar syrups in gin and vodka cocktails. It adds light sweetness and floral aroma.
In Spring/Summer Cocktails
St-Germain works well in citrusy or fruit-forward cocktails that benefit from its subtle sweetness.
In Tiki Drinks
Add a splash of St-Germain to tropical cocktails in place of other sugary liqueurs or syrups.
Cocktail Recipes with St-Germain
Here are some classic cocktail recipes that are enhanced by a splash or two of floral, fruity St-Germain:
St-Germain Spritz
Ingredients:
- 2 parts sparkling wine
- 1 part St-Germain
- 2 parts club soda
- Lemon wedge, for garnish
Instructions: In a wine glass, combine St-Germain and sparkling wine. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
St-Germain Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz brut champagne
- 1 1⁄2 oz St-Germain
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions: In a flute, combine champagne and St-Germain. Add bitters and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon twist.
St-Germain Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz St-Germain
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz club soda
Instructions: Combine gin, St-Germain, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda and stir gently.
Where to Buy St-Germain
St-Germain is readily available at most liquor stores. You can find it alongside other liqueurs and cordials. It typically retails for $30-40 per 750ml bottle.
St-Germain is produced by the company Bacardi. You may be able to find good deals on St-Germain by checking for promotions, sales, or coupons from Bacardi.
Some options for purchasing St-Germain include:
- Wine and spirits stores
- Larger liquor stores
- Online shopping sites
- Home delivery services like Drizly or Minibar Delivery
St-Germain is sold in the standard 750ml bottles. You may occasionally see special releases in smaller 200ml bottles, which can be good for trying it out or gifting.
Tips for Selecting St-Germain
When shopping for St-Germain, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the label for the signature Provençal elderflower blossom imagery.
- Look at the ABV, which should be 20% alcohol.
- Inspect the bottle for damage, cracks, or leaks.
- Give the bottle a shake and look for the liqueur to have a nice, viscous consistency.
- The flavor should be floral, fruity, and lightly sweet – not cloying.
Avoid any bottles that seem off – with discoloration, an unusual aroma, separation, or inconsistent texture. As long as the seal is intact, St-Germain has a fairly long shelf life after being opened.
Interesting Facts About St-Germain
- St-Germain was created in 2007 after the Bacardi company asked its chemists to develop a new elderflower liqueur.
- It takes over 1000 lbs of handpicked elderflower blossoms to make each batch.
- The flowers are harvested for only a few weeks each spring in the French Alps.
- The striking Art Nouveau-inspired bottle was designed by a French glassmaker.
- In cocktails, St-Germain is considered a modifier or liqueur, not the base spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St-Germain liqueur have sugar in it?
Yes, St-Germain contains sugar. The sugar content is 20%, which is considered moderately sweet for a liqueur.
Is St-Germain considered a sweet or dry liqueur?
St-Germain is considered a moderately sweet liqueur. It has some sweetness from the sugar, but also tart and acidic notes that balance out the sweetness.
What flavors are in St-Germain?
The main flavors in St-Germain are elderflower, pear, lychee, lemon, and honeysuckle. It has a subtle, delicate sweetness with floral and fruit notes.
Does St-Germain have an ABV of 20%?
Yes, St-Germain has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 20%. This is pretty standard for a liqueur.
Is St-Germain good in cocktails?
Yes! St-Germain is great in cocktails, especially citrus-forward drinks, sparkling wine drinks, or tropical cocktails. Its mild sweetness and floral flavors work nicely with a wide range of spirits.
Should St-Germain be refrigerated after opening?
It is not strictly necessary to refrigerate St-Germain after opening. Like most liqueurs, it will keep well at room temperature for several months. Refrigeration can help extend its shelf life further.
Conclusion
In summary, St-Germain liqueur does contain moderate sweetness from its sugar content but this is expertly balanced out by bright, fruity-tart elderflower flavors. The end result is a wonderfully nuanced, easy-drinking liqueur that works well on its own or in a variety of cocktails. With its alluring floral aroma and sweet yet delicate taste, St-Germain offers a truly unique flavor experience.