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!
If watching the changing of the seasons provides a particularly pastoral means of relaxation, there’s no better way to improve the viewing party than with a cocktail in hand. At the H5O Bistro & Bar on Portland’s waterfront, a specialty drink was created with exactly that in mind. “The Ukrainian Orchard was put on our fall cocktail menu as something to enjoy as the leaves changed,” says bar manager Nathan Gerdes of the cocktail created by his colleague, Sarah Rehmann. “It has wonderful fresh apple blossom flavors that come through particularly well because of the addition of St-Germain”. And expect St-Germain to come into play as the weather turns once again. “St-Germain is a great tool to use in cocktails; versatile, sweet without being overpowering, with light floral tones that pair very well with many base spirits — particularly gin,” Gerdes says. “As spring comes closer, we will be utilizing it much more, as we go after those fresh herb and floral tones to match with the season.” 
1.5 oz. Vodka
.25 oz. St-Germain
.5 oz. Chai spice syrup*
1 oz. apple juice
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
For the chai spice syrup:
3 cups sugar
3 cups water
3 tea bags of black tea
6 whole cardamom pods
2 sticks of cinnamon
3 whole cloves
For the syrup, boil, strain, then bottle the ingredients – the mixture keeps for 1 month (refrigerated). For the cocktail, stir together ingredients, strain, and serve up with 1/4 oz. sparkling apple cider. Garnish with a dried apple wheel.
