St-Germain is a liqueur crafted from elderflower petals gathered in the Savoie region of France. It typically has an alcohol strength of 40 proof.
How it is made
The liqueur is produced using petals from Sambucus nigra, which are collected annually in spring over three to four weeks. These petals are often transported by bicycle to collection points to prevent damage and preserve flavor.
History
Created by distiller Robert Cooper after sampling an elderflower cocktail in London in 2001, St-Germain was launched in 2007 by Cooper Spirits Co. The brand name comes from the Paris neighborhood Saint-Germain-des-Prés. After Bacardi acquired the company in 2013, Cooper served as brand guardian until his death in 2016.
How it is served
St-Germain can be enjoyed neat or used in cocktails. It is featured in the Duchamp's Punch cocktail on this site.