Valentine’s Day is less than a month away, 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!
Drink was created by the James Beard-award winning chef Barbara Lynch, one of the biggest names in the Boston culinary world. In a recent interview with Lynch, the New York Times referred to Drink as "an upscale watering hole". "We love St-Germain here at Drink", says bar manager John Gertsen. "I find that it's really, really versatile." John shared a recipe from Drink bartender Ezra Star, who created a St-Germain cocktail she calls A Walk Through Boston. "It's inspired by a walk that she took one day", says John. "She was walking around, it was a hot summer day, and she was looking to have something refreshing, so she came up with this drink. And it's pretty tasty." The cocktail combines St-Germain with gin, bitters, muddled cucumber and a splash of soda. At Drink the cucumber peel is placed in the finished cocktail for a splash of color.
Peel the cucumber such that you have one long, continuous peel. Cut the remaining cucumber into cubes and muddle in a cocktail shaker. Add the bitters, St-Germain and gin along with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Add the cucumber peel and the soda.
1/4 oz gentian bitters
3/4 oz St-Germain
1 1/2 oz gin
2 inch long section of English cucumber
1 oz club soda
