Valentine’s Day is here, but don’t worry because St-Germain has you covered. Made from handpicked elderflowers native to France, it makes an elegant addition whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or partying with friends. Its subtle flavor allows it to pair easily with complementary spirits. A classic celebratory pairing combines St-Germain with Champagne, but bartenders in Boston are using it with more than just bubbly. Vodka, gin, rye, rum, tequila and bourbon all play well with St-Germain. See Eater’s map of where to find St-Germain in and out of the bottle. À votre santé!
Among the telephone book-like cocktail menu at Green Street you'll find the Parisian Orchid. Like many of Boston's better known drinks, it was created by mixologist Misty Kalkofen during her stint here as bar manager. "It was really just sparked by a desire to use that new spirit," recalls the current general manager Mark Young. He says the drink was created to showcase St-Germain in particular. "It's fairly St-Germain forward as opposed to just a couple of dashes or a quarter ounce, because it has a full ounce." The drink combines equal parts St-Germain, fresh grapefruit juice, and gin plus a touch of bitters. Mark says the Parisian Orchid is floral but balanced. "It's a little bit on the fruity side but it's still got a little bitterness and bite to it." 
1 oz. gin
1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz. St-Germain
2 dashes gentian bitters
Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
