Valentine’s Day is less than a week away, but don’t worry because St-Germain has you covered. Made from handpicked elderflowers native to France, it makes an elegant addition whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or partying with friends. Its subtle flavor allows it to pair easily with complementary spirits. A classic celebratory pairing combines St-Germain with Champagne, but bartenders in Chicago are using it with more than just bubbly. Vodka, gin, rye, rum, tequila and bourbon all play well with St-Germain. See Eater’s map of where to find St-Germain in and out of the bottle. À votre santé!
Ben Miller, the general manager at Paris Club, says the French 59 is their most popular cocktail that features St-Germain. "We wanted to make a simple yet flavorful Champagne cocktail and the French 59 is just that," Miller says about the cocktail crafted by the Paris Club team. To create the French 59 (59 being the hot River North restaurant's address on Hubbard Street), combine mandarin liquor with St.-Germain and sparkling wine to create Paris Club's signature cocktail, which goes with food as well as it does with fun.
2.5 oz. French 59 mix (St-Germain, mandarin liquor, simple syrup, lime juice)
4.0 oz. Champagne
Pour 2.5 oz. French 59 mix into a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne.
