1 oz St. Germain contains approximately 103 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie drink option. St. Germain is a popular French liqueur that is made from elderflowers and has a distinct floral taste.

Apart from its unique taste, St. Germain also boasts a range of potential benefits. It has been believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, aid in digestion and help reduce stress. Additionally, it is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, which makes it a versatile drink option for people with dietary restrictions.

Whether you are looking for a beverage to help you unwind after a long day or a delightful ingredient to add to your cocktails, St. Germain is worth giving a try. In this article, we will explore the origin, benefits, ingredients and ways to enjoy St. Germain.

What is St. Germain?

St. Germain is a French liqueur that is made from elderflowers, a small white flower that grows on the elderberry shrub. The liqueur has a sweet, floral taste and a refreshing aroma. It was first introduced to the public in 2007 by Robert Cooper, a beverage industry veteran. The elderflowers are hand-picked and then macerated in alcohol to extract the flavor. The resulting liquid is then mixed with neutral grape spirit and sweetened with cane sugar. St. Germain is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on its own, mixed into cocktails or used as an ingredient in cooking.

Origin of St. Germain

The elderflower has been used in traditional European medicine for many years due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its use as a flavoring for drinks dates back to the ancient Romans who added it to their wine for added taste and aroma. The modern St. Germain liqueur was created by Robert Cooper after he tasted an elderflower cordial that was made by a Frenchman in the Alps. Cooper saw the potential of elderflowers as a flavoring agent and developed the liqueur for the American market. Today, St. Germain is owned by Bacardi Limited and is available worldwide.

Benefits of St. Germain

Apart from its unique taste, St. Germain is believed to have multiple health benefits. The elderflowers have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. It is also thought to aid in digestion and relieve stress, making it an excellent choice for people who want to unwind after a long day. Additionally, St. Germain is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, which makes it a versatile drink option for people with dietary restrictions. Please note that these health benefits are based on traditional uses of the plant and may vary from person to person.

Ingredients in St. Germain

St. Germain is made using a combination of elderflowers, neutral grape spirit, and cane sugar. The elderflowers are hand-picked and then macerated in alcohol to extract the flavor. The resulting liquid is then mixed with neutral grape spirit to create the base of the liqueur. Finally, cane sugar is added to sweeten the drink and balance its flavors. St. Germain is free from artificial flavors and preservatives, making it a healthier drink option.

Nutrition Facts of St. Germain

One ounce (30ml) of St. Germain contains approximately 103 calories, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and zero grams of fat and protein. However, this may vary depending on the serving size and your preferred mixers. If you want to keep your calorie intake low, try mixing St. Germain with soda water and a slice of lemon or lime. This will give you a refreshing and low-calorie drink option.

St. Germain Cocktails

St. Germain is a popular ingredient in cocktails due to its unique flavor and aroma. Here are some classic St. Germain cocktail recipes that you can try: 1. St. Germain Cocktail: Mix 2 ounces of St. Germain with 3 ounces of brut champagne and 1 ounce of soda water. Shake well and pour over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist. 2. French Martini: Mix 2 ounces of vodka, ¾ ounce of St. Germain, and ¼ ounce of raspberry liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a raspberry or a lemon twist.

St. Germain Mocktails

If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, you can still enjoy the unique taste of St. Germain in mocktails. Here are some refreshing St. Germain mocktail recipes that you can try: 1. St. Germain Lemonade: Combine 1 ounce of St. Germain with 3 ounces of freshly squeezed lemonade and 2 ounces of soda water. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon slice. 2. St. Germain Fizz: Mix 1 ½ ounces of St. Germain with ¾ ounce of lemon juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup and 1 dash of orange bitters. Shake well and pour over ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wheel.

St. Germain Food Pairings

St. Germain is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some food pairings that go well with St. Germain: 1. Salads: St. Germain adds a sweet and floral dimension to fresh green salads. Try mixing it with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for a refreshing dressing. 2. Cheese: St. Germain pairs well with soft and creamy cheeses like brie and camembert. Serve with crackers and a drizzle of honey for a delicious appetizer.

How to Make St. Germain at Home

If you want to make St. Germain at home, you will need the following ingredients: 1 liter of vodka, 20-30 elderflower heads, 1 lemon, and 1 kg of sugar. 1. Begin by washing the elderflower heads and patting them dry. Remove any stems or leaves and place the flowers in a large mixing bowl. 2. Add the lemon zest to the bowl and pour the vodka over the flowers. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 3-4 days, stirring occasionally.

Where to Buy St. Germain

St. Germain is widely available in liquor stores and supermarkets. You can also order it online from various alcohol retailers. Make sure to check the alcohol laws in your state or country before buying St. Germain online. If you cannot find St. Germain in your local store, you can also try making your own liqueur using the recipe above.