The Perfect Summertime St. Germain Cocktail
When it comes to summertime, who does not love a crisp, refreshing cocktail? This is the one I pour for my guests all season, in the same rotation as my lemonade prosecco punch and my watermelon basil spritzer.
St-Germain is one of my favorite liqueurs, and there is really nothing else like it. In particular, I love how smooth it is, with notes of pear and passionfruit and a floral finish from the elderflower. If that sounds like you, my peartini and my springtime limoncello cocktail belong on your list too.
What’s more, the fresh raspberries and basil make it as pretty as it is delicious. As a result, it is the drink my guests keep requesting, whether I am setting up an epic veggie tray for the patio or a spring charcuterie board for a shower.
What Is a St-Germain Cocktail?
In essence, it is a spritz. St-Germain elderflower liqueur is muddled with raspberries and bitters, then topped with sparkling wine and club soda and finished with fresh basil.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- St-Germain elderflower liqueur (1 1/2 ounces). Sweet, floral and smooth; the heart of the drink.
- Pét-Nat sparkling wine (3 ounces). Adds bubbles and keeps it light.
- Yuzu bitters (2 dashes). A bright citrus edge. I used Miracle Mile.
- Club soda. A splash to top it off.
- Fresh raspberries. Muddled for color and a tart berry note.
- Fresh basil. The garnish, and a lovely aroma.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Crystal Rocks Glasses
The cut glass makes the color sparkle.
Muddler
Gently presses the raspberries.
Jigger
For an accurate pour of liqueur.
Bar Spoon
A quick stir is all it needs.
Bitters Bottle
Keeps dashes consistent.
Champagne Stopper
Saves the rest of the sparkling wine.
Ice Bucket
Keeps ice close when you are hosting.
Large Ice Cube Tray
Slow-melting cubes for a crisp drink.
Herb Scissors
Snips basil without bruising it.
Small Berry Bowls
For raspberries at the bar.
Bar Tray
Keeps the bottle and glasses together.
Cocktail Napkins
A small touch guests appreciate.
How To Make a St-Germain Cocktail
Step 1: Muddle
In a glass, add the St-Germain, bitters and raspberries, then muddle.
Step 2: Add Ice and Top
Add ice. Top with the sparkling wine and club soda.
Step 3: Stir and Garnish
Stir, then garnish with fresh basil.
Summertime St-Germain Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 3 oz Pét-Nat sparkling wine
- 2 dashes Miracle Mile yuzu bitters
- club soda
- fresh raspberries
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a glass, add the St-Germain, bitters and raspberries, then muddle.
- Add ice. Top with the sparkling wine and club soda.
- Stir. Garnish with fresh basil.
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar — three cocktails worth shaking up next.
The Perfect Raspberry Lemonade
Cool, tart and endlessly refreshing for warm afternoons.
Pour a Glass →
Delicious Lemonade Prosecco Punch
A big-batch punch that keeps the whole table refreshed and happy.
Pour a Glass →
Watermelon Basil Spritzer
Light, fizzy and effortless — a breezy warm-weather pour.
Pour a Glass →Variations
Swap the Berries
Strawberries or blackberries can stand in for the raspberries.
Change the Herb
Mint works in place of basil.
Skip the Alcohol
For a zero-proof option, try my raspberry lemonade or the tropical mocktail.
Use Another Sparkling Wine
Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine can replace the Pét-Nat.
When I Love Serving a St-Germain Cocktail
Summer Dinner Parties
It is a light, welcoming first pour.
Bridal and Baby Showers
The blush color suits the occasion. Here is how I host a baby shower.
Brunch With Friends
Furthermore, it sits nicely beside a French toast board.
A Backyard Gathering
Equally important, it comes together in the glass with no shaker.
Mother’s Day
A pretty drink for a special table.
Girls’ Night In
Pair it with a martini board and let everyone choose.
What To Serve With a St-Germain Cocktail
A Fresh Appetizer
Blackberry goat cheese mint crostini or whipped ricotta with roasted grapes and hot honey.
Something From the Sea
Easy crab toast with lemon mayo or a smoked salmon charcuterie board.
A Cheese Course
A Sweet Finish
Champagne berry popsicles or a mini cheesecake board.
A Summer Salad
My honey basil peach fruit salad.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Serve right away. The bubbles fade, so build each drink just before serving.
- Prep ahead. Rinse the raspberries and basil and keep them chilled until guests arrive.
- Leftover sparkling wine. Seal with a stopper and refrigerate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does St-Germain taste like?
It is a smooth elderflower liqueur with notes of pear and passionfruit.
Do I need a shaker?
No. The drink is muddled and built in the glass.
What is Pét-Nat?
It is a style of naturally sparkling wine. Another dry sparkling wine can be used.
Can I leave out the bitters?
Yes, although the yuzu bitters add a bright citrus note.
How many does this make?
One cocktail.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this is the cocktail I reach for when the weather heats up. It is light, crisp and, without a doubt, a hit with guests. As always, please drink responsibly.
