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The St-Germain Spritz and a Story.
Thanks to a bottle of ST-GERMAIN® Elderflower Liqueur sent to me to review, I’ve been making cocktails again, in particular trying the recipe for a lovely light summer drink called a St-Germain Spritz. It’s a mixture of just a handful of cocktail cabinet ingredients and is super easy to make. Perfect for summer.
All you need is
- A bottle of St-Germain
- Prosecco, Sparkling wine or if you are feeling posh, Champagne
- Sparkling water
- A slice or two of lemon and some ice
I love the fragrant taste of elderflowers – if I was a better food blogger, I’d have my own store of homemade elderflower cordial but I have to confess I generally buy mine and keep it in the fridge to tart up a glass of sparkling water. But, a St-Germain Spritz sounds so much better, doesn’t it?
Although I’ve had cocktails with St-Germain in them at fashionable artisan bars around London, I’ve never had a bottle of my own before. Now I am an addict and I’ve added the classic St-Germain Spritz recipe to my own repertoire. St-Germain spritzed with champagne or prosecco makes a perfect summer drink. Light and fragrant, since St-Germain is 20% proof, the recipe for the St-Germain Spritz makes a long drink with the same kind of alcohol content as a glass of wine. But, it’s somehow a lot more sophisticated than a white wine spritz…a heady combination of champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine and citrusy, lightly floral St-Germain.
If I didn’t know better, I’d have placed ST-GERMAIN® Elderflower Liqueur in the back streets of the Sixieme, in Paris. A drink that perhaps touched the lips of Satre and de Beauvoir, that was behind the bar at Les Deux Magot and that even featured in ‘Down and Out in Paris and London’. As it happens despite being described as ‘Vie Parisienne en Bouteille’ it simply didn’t exist in the 19th and 20th Century. It’s a remarkable and delicious creation of a young third-generation distiller, Rob Cooper, who defied his father to create ST-GERMAIN® Elderflower Liqueur, the world’s first French liqueur made with fresh elderflower blossom. Inspired by his visits to London and Paris where he’d tasted elderflower cordials, Rob set about creating his own craft liqueur.
Despite the lack of family support, he succeeded in launching ST-GERMAIN®. So popular was the drink that it quickly became known as The Bartender’s Ketchup (although it’s more like a ‘salt and pepper’ ingredient, adding a subtle nuance to a cocktail). It was something that became an essential component of all edgy, fashionable bars in Europe and the USA. In a stunning art deco style glass bottle, it looked the part too. Bacardi, the World’s leading premium drinks company, acquired the brand in 2013, with the aim of launching ST-GERMAIN® Elderflower Liqueur across the world. And, the liqueur continues to grow in popularity – a legacy to Rob Cooper who died in 2016 at the age of 39.
As I’ve mentioned already, the cocktail for which St-Germain is best known is simplicity itself. Here’s the recipe for the St-Germain Spritz. I promise you once you’ve tried it, you will be hooked!
- 120 ml Champagne or prosecco
- 100 ml St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 120 ml Sparkling Water or Soda
- I Slice Lemon
- Ice
- Half fill a Collins glass with ice
- Pour over St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- Top with sparkling water and Champagne or Sparkling Wine
- Stir gently to mix
- Garnish with a slice of lemon
Now, whether or not you fancy yourself as an aspiring mixologist, I hope I’ve done enough to convince you that you NEED your own bottle of ST-GERMAIN®. The drink has won an array of awards and is noted by The New York Times as being ‘one of the most influential cocktail components introduced in the last decade’. And anyone can make a St-Germain Spritz – it’s a really easy Summer Spritz recipe
I’ve tried mine in various other forms already – I rather like it neat on the rocks in the evening. And, it makes a lovely ST-GERMAIN® Royale by using one part ST-GERMAIN® to 3 parts sparkling wine. I REALLY want to try some poured over lemon sorbet too.
And, why not pin this to your cocktail recipe board – a St-Germain Spritz is the perfect summer tipple
St. Germain!: It has fragrance notes similar to lychee. I’m a fan of substituting it for the overly sweet juice in canned lychees for the lychee martini. Still garnish with luscious lychee nut fruit on a bamboo pick.
Ps; there is a complimentary lychee vodka imported from Japan available to make this martini perfect.. Otherwise use your favorite plain vodka.
liquear
I would add it to white wine and ice.
I would try it with gin & raspberry liqueur
I’d try a whole range of cocktails
Drink it all up
probably try vodka and lime mixed with it.
I’d use it with gin or prosecco to make cocktails.
Many, many delightful cocktails my dear people!
I think a splash would be lovely in a Tom Collins!
i would make a gin cocktail with it. Sounds so delicious. Perfect to serve at my sons 21st birthday.
i would mix it with prosecco
I’d mix it with some prosecco to make a lovely spritz type drink.
I’d mix it with some prosecco to make a lovely spritz type drink.
i’d use for gin cocktails but also would maybe try using it to make cupcakes too
i would use it for cocktails
I would love to use it to make a gin cocktail!
make a gin cocktail with it
With gin and champers
A champagne, elderflowery cocktail, oooh yes please!
Excellent recipe
In a gin cocktail
As a cocktail and maybe add some to buttercream on cupcakes?
I’d make a very posh elderflower and gooseberry fool.
An Elderflower Collins cocktail
I’d add a dash to gin and tonic
In a champagne cocktail!!
This sounds good enough just to have on it’s own with maybe an ice cube or 2
The St Germain Spritz sounds good but reckon it would go well with prosecco too
Hooked on the idea of a St Germaine Spritz! I think it would be amazing !
Cocktails or over ice cream
Tasty gin cocktails for the last days of summer!
I would use it for cocktails!
It would be gorgeous added to my homemade rhubarb presse
I would make the St Germain Spritz cocktail shown above, it looks refreshingly delicious.
I would love to add it to prosecco for my 30th birthday celebrations!
To make an elderflower jelly to go with my homemade elderflower jam, served with heavy cream and topped with a sprinkling of elderflower berries xx
A Champagne cocktail
Add a tonic water or fizzy flavoured water with some ice
5 star recipe! Thanks for sharing!
I would love to try with soda, lime, mint and a shot of vodka, very refreshing!
The St German Spritz tried it in Genova a few years ago and loved it!
Great alternative to the Aperol one!
a posh drink for christmas with my family
have given stars
Lovely with a Gin and Tonic and a slice of cucumber
Definitely some posh cocktails for Xmas how lovely
I would mix it with prosecco to make a Hugo
Posh Cocktails at Christmas !
5 stars from me!
I would mix it with Apple Juice.
I would use it for coctails.
I’d make spritzers for a summer afternoon and gin cocktails for an evening with friends.
Its so nice with some soda water and fresh grapefruit
I would try it in different cocktails x
With my friends on a cocktail night
For a girls night in!
Great recipe!
I would try with tonic but also experiment with cocktails!
To mix with tonic water to make a lovely spritzer!
I would have it with prosecco
would be delicious on its own or made into cocktails
Sounds fabulous for adding to a celebration cake that i have planned for my Daughters 22nd birthday, may even make a cocktail or two, not until i’ve finshed the cake though ‘-) x x
i would mix it with processco x
I want to rate this recipe as five stars
I would top mine up with prosecco and it would be great when sitting outside in the sunshine
A prosecco cocktail x
I would love to try it with prosecco 🙂
To make G&Ts extra delicious
yummy with some fruit cocktails
Might be nice wit prosecco
I’d probably try it with tonic first
Making cocktails
In a cocktail or if really trying to impress in my baking, possibly an elderflower buttercream on a lemon cake
i would add it to some gin as i love that
First I’d try it with lemonade, then I’d look for something more exotic to try it with!
Gin cocktails! sounds fab
I would experiment with lots of different cocktails!
Making cocktails.
I’d add it to a victoria sponge to give it a unique taste xx
I would enjoy a Summer Spritz and use to flavour a boozy elderflower sponge cake.
I would like to have a go at making cocktails as I have never tried this before. The St Germain Spritz sounds nice so that is what I would start with
in my Gin and tonics
Not sure my rating worked the first time so here I go again 😀
I’d use it in some sort of cocktail – there are lots of great recipes online :o)
Myself and the wife love st German, always experimenting with different cocktails
I`d use it as part of a vodka cocktail
I would make the St Germain Spritz cocktail
I would mix it with prosecco 🙂
I think I’d use it in an Elderflower pannacotta
I am sure that it would go with gin and I would have fun trying it out.
it would be delicious with gin
The recipe sounds wonderful!
Forgot to hit the stars, love the sound of this cocktail.
A grownups version of the cordial my mum used to make. I would try it with ice and soda water – I drink very little.
I’d experiment and make a cake!
I’d try it in a few experimental cocktails.
Mixed with white wine sounds great, plus a little soda water!
Would be lovely with tonic water or in a cake x
I’d spritz up a spritzer with it – thanks
tbh never tried before so would be a nice surprise
I would try it with Prosecco
A night of trying various cocktails 🙂
Not only wouls I use it with wine wine or champagne, I could add it to home made ice cream or drizzle it on one of cakes.
I’d make a vodka cocktail with it
Bet this is fabulous, would love to try
elderflower and thyme gin cocktail with a cheese board
Mix with gin over ice with watermelon
Perhaps with a little gin!
Make it long with soda water
I think I would try it in lots of different ways.
I’d mix it with some gin.
I’d like to try the St. Germain Spritz. You have opened my eyes to all the delicious possibilities!
I would use it in my gin and tonic to pep it up!
I think this would be nice with raspberry. So I’d mix with Chambord and top up with Champagne for a Frencher than French cocktail!
I would try it in some cocktails.
I don’t know how I would like it, but I would have fun experimenting. First I would try a dash in a G&T.
Might have it with some ice.
Some cocktails
Drinking neat with ice, or trying mixed with various soft drinks to see what works!
My friend recommended using this with gin to make a drink that tasted like rhubarb & custard – I’d have to get the recipe from her but would love to try it.
I would have it in a gin based cocktail. It sounds delicious.
Prosecco cocktails
For making cocktails
I’d definitely use it to make cocktails!
to flavour jelly and ice cubes and to make a delicious trifle
I think this would be lovely with pressecco
Five stars from me. It sounds really delicious.
Elderflower must be my favourite flavour ever. I might try making an elderflower and gooseberry fool or sorbet with this or quite simply use this liqueur in any number of cocktails.
I’d try making cocktails with it
Sounds yum! I would have it with soda water or diet lemonade
Probably as an aperitif
I would try it with prosecco xx
A post dinner drink
Not sure at the moment as I’ve never tried this before!
I’d mix with champagne or prosecco, and add a splash to whipping cream to give my desserts some zing!
in a cocktail with a dash of gin and a splash of cherry brandy :o)
Ohh I think I would love to use it in a cocktail that I have made up!
all done lovely in a fizzy drink
As well as drinking….on iceceam or in a jelly
With lemonade and sliced lemons
I would try some cocktails
Gin cocktails sound very welcoming!
Elderflower liqueur sounds very nice – would sample a small amount, as it is, every so often.
Experiment with some cocktails
gin cocktails – wow yes pls
I’d use it for gin based cocktails, maybe with lemonade!
gin cocktails 🙂
I would love to add it to all my favourite cocktails for that added taste. I bet it tastes gorgeous
tastes good
SOunds as if it would be goog over ice cream, other than that, it’s for drinking
I would use it in gin cocktails.
I’d use it for. get-together with my sister
I would use it to make elderflower cocktails.
I would add it to prosecco and serve it when our friends come over x
Vodka Cocktail
Would use it in a Gin Cocktail
I’d use it to celebrate my 30th with St Germain Spritz as it sounds lovely.
5 ?????
It would be great in a gin and tonic, it would be fab as a spritzer with white wine and maybe just on its own with a splash of tonic.
with some prosecco
I have not tried this before so would experiment with different mixers
I would use it in a gin based cocktail after a long week at work!
This will be perfect for cocktails at my 30th birthday party in a couple of months, & I love elderflower!
Would love to try it with gin
Yum. This sounds delicious. I’d love to try it in a gin cocktail.
Definitely for a yum, fancy gin cocktail!
With chocolate… because why not? 😀
Looks scrumptious. I’d like to try it with ice.
I would use it for pre dinner drinks next time I am entering
I’d love to make ice cream with it in.
I’d make some fab gin cocktails with it. It sounds great!
Maybe in one of my homemade ice lollies
I would love this for summer cocktails!
Gosh, I would love to mix some with home made lemonade
We went to a food festival yesterday, and saw something simular to this, yummy ! Gave 5 stars x
Oh and 5 stars on the St-Germain Spritz recipe yum!
I use it in baking it gives a gorgeous flavour to lavendar and elderflower cake!
I have never tried St Germain Spritz
I would experiment with different cocktails
Added to prosecco for a little elderflower kick!
I would make the St Germain spritz like you then I would ‘do some googling’ for other ideas
I do like the idea of cocktails, especially a gin spritzer!
I would definitely use it in my cocktails, love a good cocktail
I would mix it with gin x
pouring over ice cream.. yum!
To try the spritz recipe
A gin cocktail would be lovely!
For our wedding with Southern German food
Sounds really nice and I really need to try. Elderflower
Try it in some cocktails
Cocktails are a must for this!
I like the sound of the St Germain Spritz x
I’d soak it into a cake
Gin cocktails
Ps. Fab Recipe!
I’d use it to enhance my Raspberry Collins.
I think that would be lovely!
would be good with gin
Adding five stars for your fab recipe. Thank you.
I would like to try it in desserts,perhaps in a trifle.
Sounds gorgeous and what a classy looking bottle! I would dive in with cocktails on special occasions but would also drizzle a little over a fresh fruit salad.
In a lovely summer cocktail recipie x
I’d love to try the St Germain Spritz actually … it sounds delicious! I’d also like to try it with a Mediterranean tonic.
this is perfect to use in a gin cocktail
For making new cocktails I haven’t tried before starting with the Elderflower ones
mixed with sparkling wine.
after dinner tipple
love the idea of making some new cocktails
We have lots of bottles of champagne left from our wedding, which could do with a summer makeover!
I would try it with vodka and ice. Mmmm
bet it would be nice with gin!
I would definitely try out your recipe but I would also be boring and mix it with lemonade on it’s own!
cocktails for me and my daughter !
Gin cocktails
I would use it for cocktails
Would love to try a St. Germain Spritz
Gorgeous ???
Delicious with champagne and some strawberry liqueur ?
lots of inventive cocktails
With Prosecco at a BBQ yum ?
Your recipe sounds delicious
Vodka and elderflower lemonade
Making a gin cocktail.
St Germain Spritz – without a doubt!
I would mix it with champagne or pour it over ice cream
St. Germain-flavored ice cream!
To freshen up my favourite G&T x
I love the smell and taste of elderflower. What a great recipe – good for drinkers and non drinkers – a drink the whole family can enjoy – this is now on my list of drinks for summer!
Oooh I definitely think I’d be adding a dash to a gin and tonic!
Also I used to make a lovely elderflower and lemon sorbet, so winning might tempt me to try that again….
I’d use it for cocktails
make lots of different cocktails
Makign cocktails 🙂 Love them in the sun
Making cocktails
It would be ideal for gin cocktails, so that’s how I’d use it
I’d experiment with cocktail ingredients and I’d sure every one of them would be totally drinkable!!!!!
Elderflower cocktail – St. Germain with either champagne or a dry white wine and soda
I reckon it’s taste pretty nice poured over vanilla ice cream
I’ve not tried it before, so maybe cocktails.
Forgot my stars
I love a Gatzby and Gin Cocktails just love to sample Mmm
I think I’d use it for cocktails
I’d try out some new gin cocktail recipes!
First thought would be to mix it with gin and cloudy apple juice.
Gin cocktails or an afternoon prosecco spritz!
Everything!
I think neat on the rocks would be good!
It sounds lovely mixed with sparkling wine.
Great cocktail mix – love it with Gin 🙂
With gin and lime cordial.
Sounds great with gin and lots of ice
I think i would use it for some cocktails for me and my friends to enjoy.
I love it in gin!
I’d love to try it over a sorbet
I love the idea of adding this to sparkling wine for a refreshing spritzer xx
i would use it for cocktails
I love elderflower. (And elderberries too).
I would use it for drinking! Unusually I prefer my liqueurs neat…
I would concoct my own cocktails.
I don’t have a clue never had anything like this before would be fab to try it
That sounds lovely. I’d love to try it in something non-alcoholic for driving guests.. Over ice, with cucumber and fresh mint topped with tonic?
Gin cocktails!
the spritz sounds amazing and I have a bottle of prosecco chilling in my fridge too! perfect!
or add it to prosecco
I’d deffo make lots of different cocktails with it! Or just to make drab drinks taste fab!
I would use it for some sort of cocktail
I would try it neat for starters, but I love the sound of the St Germain Spritz too, so I would try that too, for sure XXX
Great recipe – thank you!
I’d put it with some gin and lemon to make an awesome cocktail!
Drinking, what else 🙂
I’d make a variety of different cocktails with it.
Wow sounds absolutely amazing would go great with see Ice
I mix it with
Emonade like a spritzer
I’d make a delicious Eton mess with it, cream, fruit, meringue and liquid/alcohol
St Germain Spritz sounds good to me
Making my friends think I’m posh (I’m not).
I have never tried St Germain Spritz but I love the idea of trying it over lemon sorbet.
Gin cocktails x
This is a classic – I love a St Germain Spritz