If you’re a fan of cocktails, then you’ve probably heard of St. Germain.
This light and aromatic liqueur is made from fresh elderflowers and has been a top choice for bartenders since it hit the scene in 2007.
But for those who haven’t tried it yet, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about and ask – what does St. Germain taste like?
Well, we’re here to give you the lowdown on what St. Germain tastes like and why it’s worth a try. So sit back, relax, and dive into the elderflower liqueur world.
What Does St Germain Taste Like?
St. Germain is a liqueur characterized by its sweet and floral characteristics. It can be compared to a combination of citrus, pear, and honeysuckle flavors.
In fact, it also includes hints of almonds and anise. Its acidity makes it an ideal addition to desserts and cocktail recipes.
The aroma of St. Germain is unmistakable, with its floral bouquet and hints of citrus.
Although this is a lighter drink compared to other types of alcoholic beverages, it still packs a punch with its 20% ABV.
Quick Fact: The elderflowers used in crafting St. Germain liqueur is handpicked in full bloom every spring. It uses up to a thousand meticulously-selected elderflowers to fill a bottle.
How St. Germain Generally Tastes
When Drank Straight
When drunk straight, St. Germain gives a blend of sweet and tangy flavors with noticeable hints of fresh French elderflowers.
Its smooth and light taste makes it an ideal addition to mixed drinks or as an aperitif.
In Cocktails
In cocktails, St. Germain tastes sweet with a subtle floral aroma and a gentle elderflower note.
“St. Germain elderflower liqueur, gin, and white Lillet mixed with grapefruit juice create this classic effervescent aperitif. Chin-chin!”
― Kevin Kwan, American Novelist
Its intense sweetness makes it an excellent choice for making various cocktails, including non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
The cocktails best made with St. Germain include:
- French Gimlet (St. Germain mixed with gin)
- Parisian Margarita (St. Germain mixed with tequila)
- Elderflower Smash (St. Germain mixed with tonic and gin)
- French 77 (St. Germain mixed with sparkling white wine)
When Baked or Cooked
St. Germain, when cooked or baked, tastes sweet, basically. It works well with various food items, like ice cream, pies, whipped cream, custard, and buttercream.
St. Germian acts as an added flavor, making the everyday recipes a little boozy but flavorful. Some of the baked or cooked foods that you can use a St. Germain include:
- Blueberry Elderflower Pie
- Cream Tiramisu with Elderflower Liqueur
- Lemon-Elderflower Pound Cake
Mixed In Tea or Sparkling Water
Mixing St. Germain with tea or any sparkling water tastes botanical, floral, fizzy, and tangy.
Some of our favorite St. Germain-sparkling water (or tea) combo recipes include:
- St. Germain Spritz (with sparkling water)
- G & T Cocktail (with tea)
- St. Germain Hot Toddy (with hot tea)
- St-Germain Sparkler (with sparkling water)
- The Cucumber Cooler (with sparkling water)
St. Germain’s Distinct Flavors
Primary Flavors
Citrus
One primary flavor of St. Germain is the citrus notes. When drunk straight, you’ll taste the notes of tropical fruits like peach, citrus, and pear.
Elderflower
Another main tasting note of St. Germain is its elderflower flavor. Since St. Germain is made with the fresh blossoms of elderflowers, it’s obviously noticeable in its flavor. Expect sweet, fragrant, and floral notes.
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- What Does Elderflower Taste Like?
Secondary Flavors
Pear
You’ll get hints of pear in St. Germain, along with other tropical fruit flavors. This flavor is less noticeable than citrus, but pear notes contribute to the overall flavor profile.
Honey
Honey notes add to the sweetness of St. Germain. It tastes perfectly fine with the floral and citrus flavors.
Floral Notes
Of course, since St. Germain is made from fresh elderflowers, expect very relaxing floral notes.
It has a delicate flowery flavor, which complements the notes of tropical fruits and citrus.
FAQs
Can you drink St-Germain straight?
Yes, you can drink St. Germain straight, especially if you’re into sweet and citrusy drinks.
But it also tastes excellent with spirits like tequila, vodka, and gin. You can make several types of cocktails with St. Germain.
What liquor is similar to St-Germain?
Liquors similar to St. Germain include Giffard Fleur de Sureau Sauvage, St. Elder Liqueur, RoomeR Elderflower Aperitif, and JJ Whitley Elderflower Gin. These liquors are mostly citrusy with the same floral notes (mainly elderflowers).
What does St-Germain taste like?
St-Germain is a liqueur made from elderflower blossoms, which impart a delicate and floral flavor profile. It has notes of sweet and fruity aromas, with hints of pear, peach, and citrus, and a subtle herbal undertone.
Is St-Germain sweet or bitter?
St-Germain has a natural sweetness derived from the elderflower blossoms. While it is sweet, it is not overwhelmingly sugary and has a balanced flavor profile.
What are the primary flavor notes in St-Germain?
The primary flavor notes in St-Germain are floral, fruity, and slightly citrusy. Elderflower is the dominant flavor, with undertones of pear, peach, and hints of citrus zest.
How intense is the elderflower flavor in St-Germain?
The elderflower flavor in St-Germain is distinctive but not overpowering. It adds a subtle floral complexity to cocktails and mixes well with other spirits and ingredients.
What cocktails can I make with St-Germain?
St-Germain is a versatile liqueur that pairs well with various spirits and mixers. Popular cocktails include the St-Germain Spritz, Elderflower Martini, and the classic St-Germain Cocktail.
Final Thoughts
With the enticing aroma of St. Germain and its sweet and citrus taste, now we know why it’s a popular choice for cocktails and even as a shot.
Its floral and sugary characteristics match well with various drinks – be it alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Due to St. Germain’s versatility, many cocktails [2] or mixed drinks can be made.
So, the next time you’re looking for a perfect cocktail mixer or something to enjoy neat, you may consider St. Germain – just make sure you’re into sweets. Enjoy!
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/gin-liquor
- https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/5-things-you-didnt-know-cocktails-bartending.htm
