The St-Germain Spritz is a invigorating cocktail that mixes the floral notes of St-Germain elderflower liqueur with crisp Prosecco and a splash of soda water. To make it, you simply pour the liqueur over ice, add Prosecco, top with soda, and garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or mint. It's a light twist on the classic spritz that's perfect for any occasion. There's so much more to explore about this delightful drink!
History
Though the St-Germain Spritz draws inspiration from the classic Italian Aperol Spritz, its history is rooted in a fascinating evolution of aperitivo culture.
The spritz originated in the Veneto region of Italy in the 1800s when soldiers diluted strong wines with water, leading to lighter drinks. Over time, these evolved into the modern spritz family.
The introduction of St Germain elderflower liqueur in the mid-2000s added a unique floral flavor to cocktails, quickly making it popular.
Celebrated for over 15 years, the St-Germain Spritz is a modern classic that blends elegant elderflower with invigorating sparkling wine.
This cocktail beautifully showcases how traditional spritzes transformed from their bitter origins into lighter, floral variations that appeal to a broader audience.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 3 ounces of Prosecco
- 1 ounce of soda water
- Ice
- Lemon wheel or sprig of fresh thyme (for garnish)
In a glass filled with ice, start by pouring in 2 ounces of St-Germain elderflower liqueur.
Follow it up with 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco and then add 1 ounce of soda water.
Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the ingredients, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully.
Finish by garnishing your drink with a lemon wheel or a sprig of fresh thyme to add an aromatic touch.
For the best experience while making your St-Germain Spritz, use high-quality Prosecco or sparkling wine, as this will greatly enhance the flavor of the cocktail.
Additionally, feel free to get creative with your garnishes—fresh mint or edible flowers can add a unique twist and a vibrant visual appeal to your drink.
Remember to scale the recipe up for larger gatherings by simply adjusting the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Enjoy!
Cooking Steps
To make your St-Germain Spritz, start by filling a large wine glass with ice for that invigorating chill.
Next, pour in 2 ounces of St-Germain Liqueur and 3 ounces of dry sparkling wine, then add a splash of club soda for some fizz.
Finally, garnish your drink with a lemon wheel or thyme sprig to elevate its presentation.
Step 1. Chill Glass With Ice
Chilling your glass is a simple but essential step for making a perfect St-Germain Spritz. Start by filling your glass with clear ice cubes and let it sit for a few minutes. This guarantees your glass is cold, helping to maintain the revitalizing effervescence of the cocktail.
If you've got extra time, consider placing the glass in the freezer for an even icier effect. After chilling, discard the ice before adding your cocktail ingredients. This prevents dilution, allowing you to enjoy every bubbly sip with the best presentation.
A well-chilled glass not only enhances the look of your drink but also keeps it crisp and invigorating, making each sip a delight. Cheers to a perfectly chilled St-Germain Spritz!
Step 2. Add St-Germain Liqueur
Once your glass is chilled and ready, measure out 2 ounces of St-Germain Liqueur and pour it over the ice. This elderflower liqueur, crafted from 1,000 fresh elderflowers, brings delicate floral notes and a light sweetness that elevates your cocktail.
It's the perfect base for a invigorating summer spritzer. After adding St-Germain, you'll want to mix in 3 ounces of Prosecco and 1 ounce of sparkling water for that bubbly finish.
Stir the mixture vigorously with a long-handled cocktail spoon to blend the flavors without losing the fizz from the Prosecco and soda. This spritz recipe stands out with its unique flavor profile, making your St-Germain Spritz a delightful choice for any occasion.
Step 3. Add Sparkling Wine Gently
Gently add 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco to your glass to preserve its carbonation and assure a rejuvenating effervescence.
Pour the sparkling wine slowly over the ice and St-Germain liqueur mixture to maintain the drink's bubbly texture and prevent excessive foaming. This careful approach guarantees your cocktail remains invigorating and light.
Using a high-quality dry Prosecco enhances the floral notes of the St-Germain without overwhelming it. A large wine glass is ideal for this step, allowing for a graceful pour and improving the presentation of your drink.
Once you've added the Prosecco, top off your St-Germain Spritz with 1 ounce of club soda for a perfectly balanced cocktail that delights with every sip.
Enjoy the bubbly revitalization!
Step 4. Garnish With Fresh Herbs
To elevate your St-Germain Spritz, adding fresh herbs as a garnish makes a delightful difference. Fresh herbs like thyme, mint, or basil enhance the drink's flavor profile, perfectly complementing the floral sweetness of the elderflower liqueur.
A thyme sprig is a popular choice, as its earthy notes blend beautifully with St Germain. To maximize their aroma, gently slap the leaves between your hands before adding them as a garnish. This releases essential oils and enhances fragrance.
Don't hesitate to experiment with different fresh herbs for unique flavor variations; mint offers a revitalizing twist, while basil brings a savory touch. Always use vibrant, fresh herbs to guarantee your drink's presentation and taste shine.
Step 5. Add a Splash of Soda
After garnishing your St-Germain Spritz with fresh herbs, it's time to add the finishing touch that brings it all together: a splash of soda.
Pour 1 ounce of soda water into your glass after combining 2 ounces of St Germain and 3 ounces of sparkling wine. This step is essential for achieving a balanced, invigorating flavor that captures the essence of elderflower blossoms.
The soda water adds necessary fizziness, making your spritz cocktail light and invigorating—perfect for summer sipping. If you prefer, you can swap club soda for unflavored sparkling mineral water or seltzer.
Remember to serve your St-Germain Spritz immediately after adding the soda to preserve its effervescence and vibrant taste. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
While summer gatherings call for invigorating drinks, the St-Germain Spritz stands out as an elegant choice that embodies both flavor and simplicity.
This rejuvenating summer cocktail combines St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Prosecco, and club soda, offering a light, floral profile that's a delightful departure from traditional bitter spritzes.
It's easy to make, requiring just a few minutes and basic ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion.
You can customize your St-Germain Spritz with fresh mint, lemon wheels, or even edible flowers to enhance its visual appeal and flavor.
With great flavor and versatility, this cocktail has become a modern-day icon among cocktail enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Alcohol Is St-Germain?
St-Germain is a French liqueur made from elderflower blossoms, giving it a unique floral flavor.
It's not a traditional spirit like whiskey or vodka; instead, it's a sweet, lower-alcohol option with 20% ABV.
You'll find it works well in various cocktails, bringing a revitalizing twist to your drinks.
Its versatility allows you to mix it with gin, vodka, or sparkling wine, making it a delightful addition to your home bar.
What Is the Difference Between St-Germain and Aperol Spritz?
Imagine sipping a vibrant, sunset-hued cocktail on a warm afternoon.
The difference between St-Germain and Aperol Spritz lies in their flavors. While Aperol offers a bittersweet punch, St-Germain brings a light, floral sweetness that dances on your palate.
The former's complexity appeals to adventurous souls, while the latter's rejuvenating nature is perfect for summer.
Both are delightful, but your choice depends on whether you crave boldness or a gentle embrace of sweetness.
Is a Hugo Spritz the Same as a St-Germain?
No, a Hugo Spritz isn't the same as a St-Germain.
While both cocktails feature sparkling wine and soda, the Hugo includes fresh mint and lime, giving it a revitalizing twist.
The St-Germain, on the other hand, highlights the floral notes of elderflower liqueur.
If you enjoy a minty, zesty drink, you'll love the Hugo.
But if you prefer something sweet and floral, the St-Germain's your best bet.
What Does Germaine Taste Like?
When you taste St-Germain, you experience a delicate sweetness paired with floral notes from handpicked elderflower blossoms.
You might notice subtle hints of pear and honeysuckle, creating a revitalizing complexity that makes it incredibly enjoyable.
The flavor is light and approachable, striking a perfect balance that avoids bitterness.
It's like taking a sip of a sunny spring day, making every cocktail feel vibrant and uplifting.
You'll find it wonderfully versatile in drinks.
