St-Germain is an elderflower liqueur that was first created in 2007. It has become a popular cocktail ingredient known for its sweet, floral flavor. Here’s a closer look at what makes St-Germain unique.
The Main Ingredients
The primary ingredients in St-Germain are:
- Elderflower blossoms – These provide the signature taste and aroma.
- Grape brandy – Used as the base spirit.
- Citrus peel – Adds bright, zesty notes.
- Cane sugar – Sweetens the liqueur.
The elderflowers used in St-Germain come from the Sambucus nigra species. They are hand-picked once a year during a short 4-6 week flowering season. The delicate blossoms must be harvested at their peak to obtain the optimal flavor.
Production Process
St-Germain is produced by macerating the elderflower blossoms in grape brandy for an extended period. This allows the flowers’ aromatic compounds to infuse into the spirit. Once sufficiently infused, cane sugar and citrus peels are added to balance and enhance the flavor. The resulting liqueur has a subtle sweetness with notes of pear, lychee, and grapefruit.
Alcohol Content
St-Germain has an alcohol content of 20% ABV (40 proof). This is comparable to many other liqueurs and bitters on the market. The grape brandy base provides a moderate strength, while the elderflower and sugar soften and round out the mouthfeel.
Flavor Profile
Here are the defining flavor notes in St-Germain:
- Fruity – With hints of pear, peach, apricot, and grapefruit.
- Floral – An aromatic, blossomy taste.
- Sweet – Well-balanced sweetness from the cane sugar.
- Smooth – A moderately viscous, easy-drinking texture.
While sweet, St-Germain is not overly cloying or syrupy. The fruit and floral notes shine through for a complex, nuanced flavor.
Types of Liqueur
St-Germain is classified as an elderflower liqueur. Some key types of liqueurs include:
| Type | Key flavors | Popular brands |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit liqueur | Various fruits | Cointreau, Chambord |
| Cream liqueur | Dairy, cream | Baileys, Amarula |
| Herbal liqueur | Botanicals, herbs | Jägermeister, Chartreuse |
| Nut liqueur | Nuts, spices | Frangelico, Nocino |
| Floral liqueur | Rose, elderflower | St-Germain, Strega |
As an elderflower liqueur, St-Germain falls into the floral category, which also includes liquors made with rose, violet, and chamomile.
How to Drink St-Germain
There are several delicious ways to enjoy St-Germain:
- On its own – The liqueur can be sipped straight or poured over ice.
- Mixed drinks – Commonly used in cocktails like the St-Germain Spritz, Earl Grey MarTEAni, and Hugo.
- With wine – Makes an elegant aperitif when topped with sparkling wine or champagne.
- With beer – Blends nicely with wheat beers, saisons, and fruit lambics.
- In desserts – Use in custards, macerated berries, and elderflower syrups.
A little St-Germain goes a long way. It is generally used sparingly as a flavorful accent. Just a dash or two can lift the notes of many drinks.
Where to Buy St-Germain
St-Germain is sold at most liquor stores, bars, and anywhere fine liqueurs are available. It typically costs $30-40 for a 750mL bottle. Some places to buy St-Germain include:
- Wine shops
- Specialty liquor stores
- Beer and wine markets
- Warehouse clubs
- Online delivery services like Drizly or Minibar Delivery
St-Germain is produced by the House of St-Germain based in France. It’s imported and distributed widely across the globe. The brand has a cult following among professional bartenders and mixologists.
Cocktail Recipes with St-Germain
Here are some cocktail ideas to make at home using St-Germain as an ingredient:
St-Germain Spritz
- 2 oz St-Germain
- 3 oz dry sparkling wine
- 2 oz club soda
- Orange twist
Combine St-Germain, wine, and club soda in a wine glass over ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
Hugo Cocktail
- 2 oz St-Germain
- 3 oz prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
- Mint sprig
- Lime wedge
Mix ingredients in a wine glass over ice. Garnish with mint and lime.
Elderflower Fizz
- 1.5 oz St-Germain
- 2 oz gin
- 3 oz tonic water
- Squeeze of lime
Combine everything in a highball glass over ice. Stir gently.
Conclusion
St-Germain is a handcrafted elderflower liqueur made with a grape brandy base. Its flavor profile includes bright, floral notes balanced by fruit and subtle sweetness. While delicious on its own, St-Germain is most commonly used as a cocktail ingredient to lend a sweet, aromatic quality. Just a small splash enhances a variety of drinks ranging from wine spritzers to classic cocktails. Next time you want to elevate a drink with a touch of floral flavor, consider picking up a bottle of St-Germain.