St. Germain Champagne Cocktail

The St. Germain Champagne Cocktail is a sophisticated, bubbly drink that is perfect for those special occasions. Serve one up today! Cheers!

Welcome to the world of refined refreshment. Today we are bringing you the St. Germain Champagne Cocktail, featuring elderflower liqueur. In the realm of mixology, few ingredients boast the aromatic charm and floral finesse of elderflower, making it the perfect companion for your favorite champagne. Whether you’re hosting a soirée, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a sophisticated libation, this cocktail is sure to elevate your sipping experience.

Reasons you’ll love the St. Germain Champagne Cocktail

• Sophisticated and elegant!
• Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions and/or holidays!
• Sweet, refreshing, bubbly, crisp and tasty!
• Just 5 ingredients!

What ingredients are in a St. Germain Cocktail?

• St. Germain or Elderflower liqueur
• Champagne
• Gin
• Lemon Juice
• Simple Syrup

What is Elderflower liqueur and why use it in cocktails?

St. Germain (pronounced “Sahn-jer-MAHN) or elderflower liqueur is made from the small, white, blossoms of the elderflower bush. These flowers are handpicked and the liqueur is made with no preservatives or additives. So use it within 6 months of opening for best flavor. You may be thinking, why would I want flowers in my drink? Don’t worry it doesn’t taste like cheap perfume, but rather, adds a layer of complexity and elegance to cocktails. The sweet, floral notes of elderflower complement the effervescence of champagne, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors. Delve into the history of elderflower in mixology, discovering its cultural significance and how it has become a staple in crafting exquisite cocktails.

What Champagne should I use?

While you can use any Champagne, I prefer demi-sec champagnes that tend to be on the sweeter side. 

According to gayot.com the best demi-sec Champagnes are:

• Champagne A. Margaine Cuvée, runs about $45 for 750 ml
• Billecart-Salmon’s Demi-Sec, runs about $55 for 750ml
• Champagne Collet, runs about  $53 for 750ml

According to Liquor.com the best Brut (dry) Champagnes are:

• Krug Grande Cuvée Brut, runs about $180 for 750 ml (Best Overall)
• Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve, runs about $43 for 750 ml (Best Value)
• Delamotte Blanc de Blancs, runs about $123 (Best Brut)

However, there is no need to break the bank and use Champagnes from France. There are many budget-friendly alternatives. For example:

• Italian Prosecco (that I used for this recipe) that runs about $13-20 for 750ml
• Spanish Cava which runs about $15-25 for 750 ml
• Gruet Demi-Sec, from America that runs about $17 for 750 ml

St. Germain Champagne Cocktail-Ingredients

• 1 oz St. Germain or Elderflower Liqueur
• 1 oz Gin
• .5 oz lemon juice fresh squeezed
• .5 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine 
• rosemary sprig, lemon twist or berries

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add St. Germain or Elderflower liqueur, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake vigorously, about 15 seconds until cold. 
• Strain into a champagne flute.
• Top off with champagne.
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig, lemon twist or berries.
• Serve and enjoy!
• Cheers!

Garnish Options

The beauty of the St. Germain Champagne Cocktail lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with personalized touches, such as:

• Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary for a burst of herbal freshness and holiday appeal.
• Introduce seasonal fruits like berries or citrus slices for a playful twist.
• Incorporate a dash of flavored liqueur to complement the elderflower notes.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

To truly savor the experience, pay attention to presentation:

1. Glassware Matters: Choose a flute or coupe glass to showcase the bubbles and enhance the visual appeal.
2. Garnish Artistry: Elevate your cocktail with aesthetically pleasing garnishes—edible flowers, a twist of citrus, or a floating berry—to delight both the eyes and the palate.
3. Ideal Serving Conditions: Serve the St. Germain Champagne Cocktail chilled but not overly cold, allowing the flavors to evolve as the temperature gradually rises.

When to serve a St. Germain Champagne Cocktail

• Bridal showers or Mother’s Day Brunch
• Anniversaries
• Romantic dinners or elegant dinner parties
• New Year’s Eve
• Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Day
• Anytime you want a refreshing and bubbly cocktail!

Ring in the New Year with this bubbly cocktail!

The St. Germain Champagne Cocktail is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of quality ingredients. We invite you to embark on this flavor journey, experimenting with variations and sharing your creations. Craft, sip, and savor the magic of a truly sophisticated libation, blending the floral charm of elderflower with the effervescence of champagne. Cheers to crafting moments of elegance in a glass and remember…

Life’s too short to eat bad food!

For other Champagne or Sparkling Cocktails try:

Aperol Spritz

Apple Cider Mimosas

Cranberry Aperol Spritz

French 75

Grinch Mimosa

Poinsettia Cocktail

Easy Prosecco Punch

Sparkling Margarita