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 Central Eastside’s Rum Club, rum might be the obvious spirit of choice (especially during the dreary winter months), but bartender Emily Baker often turns to St-Germain for her nightly “Dealer’s Choice” special. Baker’s Hierarchy of Needs cocktail features Pisco brandy as the base for the elderflower liqueur’s lighter notes. “Both are delicate, while still being strong enough to handle more intense flavors such as Campari and Cocchi Americano,” Baker says, noting that the combination of bitter and sweet retains its individual flavors because of the quality ingredients. The result? “A satisfying cocktail that is both spiritous and refreshing,” Baker says. As the season changes into spring, Baker will shake up the Rum Club menu to feature another St-Germain option. 
1.5 oz. Pisco
.75 oz. Cocchi Americano
.33 oz. St-Germain
.33 oz. Campari
1 dash lemon bitters
Stir ingredients, strain into a coup.
