One of the flavors that I most associate with springtime is the scent of elderflower. Growing up in the high desert of New Mexico there was a time after a strong sudden rain when the morning glory that laced our little hilltop would open and wash the normally dry air with their scents. It is one of the few times I can remember the desert smelling like anything other than sand.
St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur has some of that same clean fresh scent and a delicate flavor like little petals and new grasses.
The full 750ml bottle of this liqueur is huge, with giant fluted sides like a vase. I have tried to make myself buy one in this size a number of times but my shelf sends me angry texts, “Really? SRSLY?” and I have to put it back in favor of the 375 or a couple of the 50ml size. All of their bottles have the same style to them which makes the little 50’s quite cute and perfect for a little rosewater or lavender oil when you’re done. Prices in oregon run about $4.50 for the 50ml, $19.95 for the 375 and 39.95 for the 750ml. Seeing as you need only use this one sparingly the bottle will last for quite a while.
St. Germain is a 20% ABV which puts it nicely below a lot of other mixers and keeps the alcohol flavor down.
As a nice spring cocktail I recommend something simple.
1 oz St. Germain
2 oz vodka
Pineapple chunk garnish
Using extra pineapple juice rim cocktail glass with cane sugar, pour contents into mixing glass. Stir vigorously over ice. Strain into rimmed glass and garnish with pineapple on a long pick.
I would use something like a Portland Potato or Ransom’s The Vodka which both have a flavor to them which won’t overshadow the elderflower.
Another good cocktail can be found Here. Cocktailtube has a great sour, it uses an egg white which might not perfect for everyone but it’s a good drink anyway.
Shaker and Spreadsheet 