Valentine’s Day is less than a week 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!
At Highland Kitchen in Somerville, bar manager Joe McGuirk serves a whiskey-based St-Germain cocktail called the Rarely Eagle. Joe has tried combining St-Germain with lighter mixers and was looking to expand St-Germain's uses. "We've done it with tequila, we've tried it with brandy, but this is the one that really is super successful," he says. The St-Germain and whiskey are combined with the aid of fresh lemon juice and orange blossom water. "It's a good introductory cocktail for people who are not whiskey drinkers," says Joe. "There's a balance between sweetness and tartness, and some of the stone fruit flavors come out." At Highland Kitchen, St-Germain is appreciated for its versatility. "St-Germain is cool because sometimes you drink it with something that tastes like grapefruit, sometimes you drink it with sparkling wine and soda water and the elderflower notes come out, and with the whiskey it does a similar thing." 
1 1/2 oz. premium bourbon
3/4 oz. St-Germain
3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
2 dashes Orange Flower Water
Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, strain and serve straight up in a cocktail glass.
