Made from handpicked elderflowers native to France, St-Germain makes an elegant addition to feasts and fêtes both formal and relaxed. Its subtle flavor allows it to pair easily with complementary spirits. A classic celebratory pairing combines St-Germain with champagne, but bartenders in Los Angeles 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!
Mediterranean flavors pair well with St-Germain as Melrose Place stunner Fig & Olive knows. The glossy, marble-laden bar area at Fig & Olive suffers no shortage of celebrity energy (think: Victoria's Secret models, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham), so bartenders are always busy thinking up new palate pleasing potions. Often requested by guests are cocktails made with St-Germain. In fact, one of Fig & Olive's most popular cocktails is the Fig Walnut Julep, where St-Germain is the star with bourbon and figs in supporting roles. The Fig Walnut Julep was created by house mixologist Michael Loomis especially for Fig & Olive. While it requires a bit of extra preparation, the resulting sophistication in taste and texture are more than worth it.
FIG WALNUT JULEP
3/4 oz St-Germain
2 oz Four Roses Bourbon
1/2 oz Lime Juice
1/4 oz Taylor Tawney Port
1/4 oz Simple Syrup
2 Black Figs (muddled)
3 Mint leaves
2 Slices of Fig 1/4 inch thick w/Grated Walnut on top
1 Mint Sprig
Ice
Prep work: Cut each mint sprig about 4 to 5 inches long (big enough so it will be able to peak over the edge of the rocks glass). You will have to strip the mint off each sprig until you have just 3 to 4 smaller leaves at the top of the mint for garnish. The rest of the leaves (3) will be used in the cocktail. For the simple syrup recipe, you will need to heat 1 cup of water and bring slightly to boil. Add ½ cup sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat and let cool and you have your simple syrup.
Directions: Using a mixing glass (Boston) or a 2 piece shaker, add 2 Black Mission Figs, 1/4 oz Taylor Fine Tawney Port, 1/4 oz Simple Syrup & 1/2 oz of Fresh Lime Juice. Muddle the figs and other ingredients into a nice paste. Add 3 Fresh Mint Leaves, 3/4 oz St-Germain and 2 oz Bourbon. Add Ice and use a hard shake vigorously for about 8 to 10 seconds so the ingredients can infuse. Strain contents over ice in an Old Fashion Glass or Rocks Glass. Cut a Fig in half and make two nice slices about 1/4 inch thick from it and garnish cocktail. Grate some Walnut over Figs and Ice and add a Mint Sprig.