Spring has sprung, and there's no better way to celebrate the beginning of the season than with St-Germain. Made from handpicked elderflowers native to France, it makes an elegant addition whether you’re planning a romantic picnic for two or partying outdoors 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 Portland 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!
At the famous U-shaped bar at Beaker & Flask, bar manager Brandon Wise’s take on St-Germain reflects the spot’s playful, spirited take on the upscale cocktail bar experience. “We in the business of booze often refer to St-Germain as ‘bartender's ketchup,’” Wise says. “No matter what you use it with, it makes it taste good.” And just like ketchup, St-Germain's accessibility helps Wise ease uncertain drinkers into the spot’s creative cocktail menu. “At Beaker & Flask, we use a lot of austere ingredients and obscure products, and many times guests have no idea where to begin when looking at our cocktail list,” Wise says. “A product like St-Germain, with such an approachable flavor profile, allows us to bring the uninitiated into the craft cocktail realm... Rather than ‘ketchup’ I submit that St-Germain is the gateway drug into the world of craft cocktails.” Enter the Common Denominator, which combines the smoky mezcal with St-Germain for a floral touch. 
.75 oz. mezcal
.75 oz. orange liqueur
.75 oz. lemon juice
.75 oz. St-Germain
Build ingredients in mixing tin, shake and double strain into coupe.
