An Elderflower Cocktail to Call My Own

I got a lot of swanky-fun birthday presents this year, but none more original than my very own cocktail. Many of us are currently obsessed with St.-Germain's elderflower liqueur; it is floral, exotic, honeyed, just a touch sweet, and its nose reminds me a lot of Ethiopian tej, or honey wine. The elderflowers grow wild in the foothills of the Alps, and their scent fades so fast, the folks at St.-Germain organize "bohemian gatherers" who deliver the blossoms via specially rigged bicycles. The bottle itself is made of very heavy carved glass, and it resembles an oversized flacon of precious eau de cologne.

(sigh) Isn't it romantic?

After watching two good friends fight over BevMo's last bottle, imagine my surprise when I was the lucky recipient of such a bottle. To think that I have friends selfless enough not to hog all the St.-Germain for themselves is almost too much to comprehend.

(sniffle)

Without further ado, here is the utterly divine, dangerously drinkable cocktail created by the blogosphere's favorite mixologist in honor of my 21st* birthday. (Word is her husband was the affable taster.)

Catherine's (n)th Birthday Cocktail
1 ounce St.-Germain
1 1/2 ounces gin
4-6 ounces ginger ale

In a shaker filled with ice, add the St.-Germian and the gin and stir. Add the ginger ale and strain into a cocktail glass. Enjoy the Triple G effect.

***
*Well the girl at the liquor store thinks so.

Comments

[Tea]

Aww, how sweet is that! And it sounds delish. That Keckler is a peach.

[sam]

At least we all have one each now, and we also know where all the secret stockists in the entire bay area are, who all only carry one bottle at a time each, so with apologies to any other readers out there who are interested - I am sorry but I ain't telling. Its so easy to drink, I don't think it will be too long before I need another bottle and I don't want them ot be all sold out.

[Pam]

I've had wine made from the elderflowers when I was in Austria, but not a liqueur. Interesting! I'll have to check out BevMo to see if they have the wine, too - I've been dreaming of it ever since I tasted it! Thanks for the idea!

[rachel]

Thanks so much for being the inspiration Catherine! It sounds like something I would love, so I found two bottles at the BevMo in Albany. It seems there is enough to go around!

[Mary L.]

I'm not much of a drinker but I do like exotic cordials.
I recently discovered St. Germain when I bought a small 'taster' bottle at the local Richmond, VA ABC store.
HEAVENLY! It has the fragrance of roses, has a slightly spicy honeyed taste with a bit of grapefuit. The taste of honey lingers on my lips long after I finish the drink. I am addicted and in love!
I just splurged and bought myself a beautiful bottle.
And you're right; it does resemble TEJ but with out the goaty aftertaste!
I'll try your cocktail!

[Paula Maack]

I love the gorgeous Belle Epoque ads for this liqueur. I have yet to try it, but I love elderberry honeywine (mead), and your description (and Mary's) of St. Germain's liqueur sounds heavenly.

I will have to go out and buy a bottle, post haste! I'm sold.

I can't wait to try out your tasty cocktails, too! They sound yummy!!

Cheers,

~ Paula
(from Ambrosia Quest)