St Germain, a delicate elderflower liqueur from France, has become a favorite ingredient among cocktail enthusiasts.
Its subtle floral notes and hint of sweetness make it incredibly versatile for creating sophisticated drinks that impress guests at any gathering.
St Germain pairs beautifully with everything from prosecco and white wine to gin and vodka, allowing for a wide range of cocktail options.
Whether you prefer something light and refreshing like the popular Hugo Spritz or something more complex, this liqueur adds an elegant touch to both simple and elaborate concoctions.
Its unique flavor profile complements citrus, mint, and other botanical ingredients particularly well.
1. St-Germain Hugo Spritz
The St-Germain Hugo Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail perfect for warm days. It follows the classic 3:2:1 spritz ratio that creates a balanced and effervescent drink.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1½ oz of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, 2 oz of Prosecco, 2 oz of soda water, and 8-10 mint leaves.
Combine the ingredients in a wine glass filled with ice. Stir gently to mix all flavors together without losing carbonation.
Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint for a visually appealing presentation. The floral notes of elderflower blend perfectly with the crisp bubbles and fresh mint.
2. French Blonde Cocktail
The French Blonde is an elegant cocktail featuring a refreshing blend of citrus and floral notes. This sophisticated drink combines gin, Lillet Blanc, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and grapefruit juice.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1-2 ounces of gin (Hendrick’s works well), 2 ounces of Lillet Blanc, 1/2 ounce of St-Germain, and 1.5-2 ounces of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Some recipes also add a dash of lemon bitters or a teaspoon of lemon juice.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add all ingredients, and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe or martini glass. You can garnish with a grapefruit twist or lavender sprig for an extra touch of elegance.
3. Arigato Sour
The Arigato Sour is a refined Japanese-inspired cocktail that showcases St. Germain’s versatility. This light whiskey cocktail combines Japanese whisky with elderflower liqueur for a balanced flavor profile.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1½ oz of Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, ½ oz of St. Germain, ½ oz of sloe gin, ½ oz of fresh lime juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup.
The sweet notes from the St. Germain and plum gin liqueur complement the whisky perfectly. The citrus adds brightness while maintaining the cocktail’s delicate flavor balance.
This elegant drink offers a creative twist on the classic sour format while highlighting the floral qualities of elderflower liqueur.
4. Sirene Spritz
The Sirene Spritz is a light and elegant cocktail that puts St-Germain in the spotlight. This refreshing drink combines the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur with the effervescence of sparkling wine.
To make a Sirene Spritz, mix 1 part St-Germain with 2 parts prosecco or champagne. Add a splash of sparkling water and serve over ice in a wine glass.
Garnish your Sirene Spritz with a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint. This enhances both the aroma and visual appeal of the cocktail.
This drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as an aperitif before dinner. The balanced sweetness makes it approachable for most palates.
5. Sangria Flora
Sangria Flora is a refreshing twist on traditional sangria using St-Germain elderflower liqueur. This elegant cocktail combines a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or dry white wine with St-Germain and a touch of Cointreau.
Fresh fruits make this drink special. Try adding sliced strawberries, raspberries, or peaches. Some recipes also include orange slices for a citrusy note.
The elderflower liqueur adds a subtle floral sweetness that perfectly complements the crisp wine. You can adjust the fruit combinations based on what’s in season.
For a lighter version, add a splash of soda water or sparkling wine to give your Sangria Flora a pleasant effervescence.
6. St-Germain Gin & Cucumber
The St-Germain Gin & Cucumber cocktail combines floral elderflower liqueur with the crisp freshness of cucumber for a refreshing drink.
To make this cocktail, start by muddling cucumber slices with fresh lime juice in a shaker. This releases the cucumber’s refreshing flavor.
Add St-Germain elderflower liqueur, gin, and ice to the shaker. Shake well until chilled. You can use Hendrick’s gin for its complementary cucumber notes.
Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon or slice and a squeeze of lime. The result is a light, garden-fresh cocktail perfect for warm weather gatherings.
7. St-Germain Vodka Lemon Fizz
This refreshing cocktail combines the floral notes of St-Germain with the clean taste of vodka and bright lemon. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
To make this drink, you’ll need vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of soda water. Some recipes also include a small amount of sugar syrup to balance the tartness.
Simply combine the vodka, St-Germain, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water for that pleasant fizz.
Garnish with a lemon twist or a few elderflower blossoms if available. The result is a light, elegant cocktail that’s easy to enjoy.
8. Tea Party Cocktail
The Tea Party Cocktail brings a sophisticated twist to your afternoon tea. This elegant drink combines Lady Grey tea with St. Germain elderflower liqueur for a refreshing experience.
Start by brewing a strong cup of Lady Grey tea and let it cool. Add 1 ounce of St. Germain to the tea and stir gently. The floral notes of the elderflower liqueur complement the citrusy bergamot in the tea perfectly.
Garnish with a slice of lemon to enhance the citrus flavors. You can serve this cocktail hot or cold, depending on your preference. For a summer variation, pour over ice and add a sprig of fresh mint.
9. The High and Dry
The High and Dry is a unique twist on the classic negroni, featuring St. Germain as a key ingredient. This cocktail stands out with its special additions of orange blossom water and sparkling wine.
To make this drink, combine St. Germain with your preferred bitter aperitif and a splash of orange blossom water. The floral notes from both the elderflower liqueur and orange blossom create a delicate aromatic profile.
Top the mixture with chilled sparkling wine for effervescence. You can garnish with an orange twist to complement the citrus undertones already present in the drink.
10. St-Germain Mimosa
The St-Germain Mimosa offers a floral twist to the classic brunch cocktail. By adding a splash of elderflower liqueur, you transform an ordinary mimosa into something special.
For a basic version, combine equal parts champagne and fresh orange juice, then add a half ounce of St-Germain. The elderflower complements the citrus beautifully.
For an elevated experience, try using blood orange juice instead of regular orange juice. The deeper flavor pairs wonderfully with the St-Germain’s subtle sweetness.
Serve in a champagne flute with a small orange twist garnish. This refreshing cocktail works perfectly for brunches or celebrations.
11. Elderflower Margarita
The Elderflower Margarita, also known as the St. Germain Margarita, puts a floral twist on the classic cocktail. This refreshing drink needs just three main ingredients.
To make this cocktail, combine 2 ounces of reposado tequila, 1 ounce of St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and 1 ounce of fresh lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds until well chilled.
You can rim your glass with salt if you prefer the traditional margarita experience. Pour the mixture into your glass and garnish with a lime slice.
This elegant variation balances the earthy notes of tequila with the subtle sweetness of elderflower, creating a sophisticated yet simple cocktail.
12. White Wine Elderflower Sangria
White Wine Elderflower Sangria combines the floral notes of St. Germain with crisp white wine for a refreshing pitcher cocktail. This elegant drink is perfect for summer gatherings or brunch parties.
To make this sangria, muddle lime in a pitcher, then add sliced strawberries, white wine, and elderflower liqueur. Stir these ingredients together and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to blend the flavors.
Before serving, add ice to the pitcher and top with club soda or seltzer water for a light effervescence. You can use Viognier or any preferred white wine as your base.
This easy-to-make cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop.
13. St-Germain Lemonade
St-Germain Lemonade offers a refreshing twist on classic lemonade with its floral elderflower notes. This simple cocktail combines vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and lemonade for a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
To make this drink, pour 2 ounces of quality vodka and 1 ounce of St-Germain into a glass filled with ice. Top with lemonade and stir gently to combine.
You can garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch. This cocktail works wonderfully for summer gatherings or as a light refreshment on warm evenings.
14. Elderflower Gin Fizz
The Elderflower Gin Fizz is a refreshing cocktail that combines the botanical notes of gin with the sweet floral taste of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. This drink is perfect for warm days or evening gatherings.
To make this cocktail, combine 2 ounces of gin with 1/2 ounce of St-Germain and 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with club soda for the signature fizz effect. You can garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
This simple yet sophisticated drink balances the strength of gin with the delicate sweetness of elderflower perfectly.
15. St-Germain Champagne Cocktail
The St-Germain Champagne Cocktail, also known as the St-Germain Royale, is an elegant and simple drink perfect for celebrations.
To make this cocktail, pour chilled St-Germain into a champagne flute or martini glass. Top it with champagne or other sparkling wine like Prosecco.
Give the mixture a quick stir to combine the flavors. Garnish with a blackberry for a beautiful finishing touch.
You can adjust the ratio of St-Germain to champagne based on your preference for sweetness. The elderflower liqueur adds a subtle floral note that complements the crisp bubbles of the champagne.
16. Hugo Spritz with Mint & Lime
The Hugo Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that combines elderflower liqueur with Prosecco and soda water. You’ll need 1 1/2 oz of St-Germain, 2 oz of Prosecco, and 2 oz of soda water.
Muddle 8-10 fresh mint leaves in your glass. Add ice, then pour in the St-Germain and top with Prosecco and soda water.
Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. This Italian-inspired drink offers a perfect balance of floral notes from the elderflower, brightness from the lime, and freshness from the mint.
It’s an ideal choice for warm days when you want something light and bubbly.
17. St-Germain Basil Smash
The St-Germain Basil Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines the floral notes of elderflower liqueur with the aromatic punch of fresh basil. This drink works well with either gin or vodka as your base spirit.
To make this cocktail, muddle 4-6 large basil leaves in a shaker. Add 2 ounces of gin or vodka, 3/4 ounce of St-Germain, and 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled. Double strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice to remove any basil bits.
This drink is perfect for warm afternoons or as a bright, herbaceous option at your next gathering.
18. Elderflower Mojito
The Elderflower Mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. This drink combines St. Germain elderflower liqueur with traditional mojito ingredients.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need white rum, St. Germain, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar. Some recipes also add cucumber for an extra refreshing element.
Start by muddling mint leaves with lime juice and sugar in a highball glass. Add the rum and St. Germain, then fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir well to combine all flavors.
Top with more crushed ice if needed. This drink offers a perfect balance of sweet elderflower notes with the bright, minty profile of a classic mojito.
19. St-Germain Collins
The St-Germain Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. It combines the floral notes of St-Germain elderflower liqueur with the crispness of gin and fresh lemon juice.
To make this cocktail, mix 1½ oz gin, ¾ oz St-Germain, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a collins glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wheel or sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.
This drink is perfect for spring and summer gatherings when you want something light and refreshing.
20. Elderflower Martini
The Elderflower Martini is a refreshing cocktail that showcases the floral notes of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. This elegant drink is perfect for summer gatherings or sophisticated evenings.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need vodka (cucumber vodka works well), St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon or lime juice.
Fill a martini shaker with ice, add 3 ½ ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of St-Germain, and a splash of citrus juice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. For an extra touch, garnish with a thin cucumber slice or lemon twist. Some variations include muddled cucumber for an even more refreshing flavor.
21. Lavender St-Germain Collins
The Lavender St-Germain Collins is a fragrant twist on the classic Tom Collins. This refreshing cocktail combines gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and homemade lavender syrup for a sophisticated flavor profile.
To make this drink, you’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 0.5 ounce of St-Germain, 0.75 ounce of lavender syrup, and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice.
Combine these ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a collins glass filled with ice and top with soda water.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender or a lemon wheel for an elegant presentation.
This cocktail works best when served in warmer months. The floral notes of lavender and elderflower create a perfect balance of sweet and aromatic flavors.
Understanding St Germain
St Germain is a French elderflower liqueur that has become essential in modern cocktail making. This elegant spirit brings a unique floral character to drinks and pairs wonderfully with almost any base spirit.
The Origins of St Germain
St Germain was created in 2007 by Robert Cooper, a third-generation distiller. Named after the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area in Paris, this liqueur quickly gained popularity in the cocktail world.
The production process is quite special. Fresh elderflowers are harvested once a year during a brief spring period in the French Alps.
Local farmers hand-pick these delicate blossoms and quickly transport them to be processed.
Each bottle of St Germain contains up to 1,000 elderflowers. The traditional method involves macerating the flowers and carefully distilling the essence to capture their subtle flavors. This careful crafting results in a product that bartenders often call “bartender’s ketchup” for its versatility.
Flavor Profile of St Germain
St Germain offers a complex yet approachable taste that enhances many cocktails. You’ll notice light floral notes reminiscent of spring blossoms when you first sip it.
The primary flavor is elderflower, which provides a delicate sweetness similar to lychee, pear, and grapefruit. These fruit-forward characteristics make it blend beautifully with citrus juices and champagne.
The liqueur has a subtle honey sweetness without being cloying. At 20% alcohol by volume, it’s milder than most spirits, allowing the floral notes to shine through.
When added to cocktails, St Germain brings brightness and complexity. It works wonderfully with gin, vodka, white rum, and champagne. You can use it in classics like a French 75 or create modern drinks that showcase its unique floral character.
Mixing Techniques for St Germain Cocktails
Proper mixing techniques ensure you get the most out of St Germain’s delicate elderflower flavor. The right approach can make the difference between a good cocktail and a great one.
Balancing Flavors
St Germain has a sweet, floral profile that needs proper balancing. When creating cocktails, aim for a ratio of 1 part St Germain to 4 parts of your base spirit or wine. This prevents the elderflower flavor from overwhelming your drink.
Citrus works exceptionally well with St Germain. Fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness and brightens the floral notes.
Try using ½ ounce of lemon juice per 1½ ounces of St Germain.
For spritz-style drinks, maintain the balance with:
- 1½ oz St Germain
- 2 oz Prosecco or Champagne
- 2 oz soda water
When muddling ingredients like mint or berries with St Germain, do so gently to release aromatics without adding bitterness.
Choosing the Right Glassware
The proper glass enhances both the presentation and drinking experience of your St Germain cocktail.
For spritz variations, use a wine glass to capture the aromatics and showcase the bubbles.
Martini glasses or coupes work best for shaken St Germain cocktails like the elderflower martini. Their wide opening allows the floral aroma to reach your nose with each sip.
For longer drinks with soda or tonic, choose a highball or Collins glass. These taller vessels accommodate ice and mixers while keeping carbonation longer.
Champagne flutes are ideal for simple St Germain and sparkling wine combinations. The narrow shape preserves bubbles and concentrates the delicate elderflower scent.
Always chill your glassware before serving to maintain the drink’s temperature and keep carbonated ingredients fizzy longer.
