St. Germain is a floral, aromatic liqueur that adds a delicate, sophisticated sweetness and fresh elderflower character to cocktails. Its often used as a bridge softening or lifting botanical spirits, brightening bubbly drinks, or rounding out fruit-forward mixes. Its elegant and versatile rather than heavy or syrupy.

Origins & Craftsmanship

• Origins: Produced in France using fresh elderflower blossoms (from Sambucus nigra), harvested once a year in late spring.

• Harvest & Flower Count: According to the brand, up to 1,000 elderflower blossoms go into every bottle to capture the full floral aroma.

• Base & Composition: It is a carefully balanced liqueur, combining floral and fruity tones without relying on artificial flavors.

• Alcohol / Proof: 20% ABV (40 proof) in U.S. markets.

Tasting Profile

Aspect Notes & Characteristics Appearance Pale golden, with clarity and light viscosity. Nose / Aroma Fresh elderflower blossom, honeysuckle, pear, subtle citrus, melon, and soft floral lift. Palate / Taste Gentle and delicateelderflower core flavor with pear, quince, light honey, floral tones, and soft fruit. The sweetness is moderate and more about aromatic impression than syrup. Finish Clean, floral-tinged, with lingering blossom and fruit echoes. The finish is neither cloying nor heavy.

Wine Enthusiast gives it very high praise:

The seductive bouquet offers wonderfully floral, fruity, guava- and melon-like fragrances becoming richly pear- and quince-like following aeration.

Serving & Pairings

• Serve / Usage:
  Neat in small amounts, as a floater or modifier.
  In cocktails: Spritzes (e.g. Hugo Spritz), French Blonde, gin + St. Germain variations, or sparkling wine cocktails.
  It also works well layered or as a bright accent to otherwise heavier spirits.

• Pairings:
  Light fruit desserts: pear tart, lemon tarts, peach cobbler
  Cheese platessoft or creamy cheeses to match its delicate profile
  Herbs and floral desserts (lavender, elderflower, basil)
  Fresh fruit, especially stone fruits
  As a complement to lighter aperitifs or sparkling wines

Cocktail recipes

1.St. Germain Spritz (a.k.a. Hugo Spritz)

A light, bubbly aperitif.

• 1 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

• 3 oz Prosecco (or any dry sparkling wine)

• 2 oz Soda water

• Garnish: Fresh mint sprig + lime wheel

Build in a large wine glass over ice. Stir gently.

2. French Blonde

A floral, slightly bitter gin cocktail.

• 1 oz Gin

• 1 oz St. Germain

• 1 oz Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano)

• 2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice

• Dash of lemon bitters

Shake with ice, strain into a coupe. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

3. Elderflower Collins

A twist on the Tom Collins.

• 1 oz Gin

• 1 oz St. Germain

• oz Fresh lemon juice

• Soda water to top

• Garnish: Lemon wheel + cherry

Shake gin, St. Germain, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a tall glass, top with soda, garnish.

4. Champagne & St. Germain

An elegant party pour.

• oz St. Germain

• 4 oz Brut Champagne or sparkling wine

• Garnish: Lemon twist

Pour St. Germain into a flute, top with chilled Champagne, garnish.

5. Elderflower Margarita

A floral twist on the classic.

• 2 oz Tequila blanco

• oz St. Germain

• oz Fresh lime juice

• oz Agave nectar (optional, for extra sweetness)

• Garnish: Salt rim + lime wedge

Shake with ice, strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

6. St. Germain Gin & Tonic

Floral uplift to a classic highball.

• 2 oz Gin

• oz St. Germain

• 4 oz Tonic water

• Garnish: Cucumber slice + fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or mint)

Build in a tall glass with ice, stir gently.

Pro tip: Because St. Germain is delicate, a little goes a long way. Its usually used between oz and 1 oz as an accent.