Blanc Germain

Day One, Cocktail One

If you have been following my initial posts on Facebook you know that I’ve been playing around quite a bit with St. Germain this past winter and spring.  It is a remarkably fresh, slightly sweet elderflower flavored liqueur.  So far I’ve used it with gin, vodka, tequila and rye.  Over the next few weeks and months you’ll see quite a bit of St. Germain show up here.

 Elderflowers in bloom

Last night Gwen and I went to Balzac (http://www.balzacwinebar.com) in Milwaukee’s Eastside for dinner to celebrate with a couple of the guys who work with me.  While at the bar waiting for our table, I spied a drink on their menu called the Cape Germain.  It was a blend of Arabella Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa, St. Germain and soda water.  So, being a fan of St. Germain, I just had to try it.  It was delicious – very light and refreshing.  Think of it as a more floral alternative to a gin and tonic for those hot summer months that will soon be here.  The only disappointment I had with the drink is that it was garnished with a couple of lime wedges rather than the lemon slice promised on the menu.  While lime usually works well with St. Germain, the lemon would have been a better compliment to the sauvignon blanc.  So here’s my take on Balzac’s Cape Germain:

  Blanc Germain

• 2 oz St. Germain
• 2 oz Sauvignon Blanc
• Soda water
• Lemon slice (for garnish)

 

Fill a collins glass with ice cubes.  Add the St. Germain and sauvignon blanc.  Stir, then top the glass with soda water and stir again.  Garnish with the lemon slice.

Cheers!