When summer rolls around the call for patio meet-ups, hosting BBQs, beach bon fires and late-nights on the town (leaving the jacket at home!) are inevitable. It’s absolutely amazing and I for one could not be more ready for this! While every summer is full of it’s own adventures, it never seizes to amaze me how much alcohol can be consumed, over such a short period of time! While I’m all for celebrating and toasting to the hotter temps I do find myself getting bogged down more at the gym and feeling a little more sluggish the morning after. When it’s so nice to sip on a crisp glass of vino, it’s easy to lose track of just how many glasses have come and gone. When we don’t put intention into what we consume it’s no wonder we wind up with #WineWednesday hangovers!

I realize this is making me sound like I drink a LOT, I promise you it is within reason, however; this summer to curb the quantity and up the quality of my liquor consumption (strategy!), I am turning to cocktails as my go-to rule for celebratory clinks this summer. I find that sipping a few gorgeous cocktails gives me the same satisfaction as a glass of wine or a pint of beer, but because it requires that extra oomph of effort I tend to savour it more, thus consuming less in the long-run. Strategic, right?

When the last few weekends started showing great promise that the ‘Never Ending Winter of 2017’ was finally ousted, I started to scour the internet for summer cocktail recipes. The more ‘extra’ the better. I am so ready to up my bartending skills! One common theme amongst the bloggersphere was quality of ingredients. Everything down to the sugar, the garnish and even the rim need to be up to par or why even bother?

This summer I’ve begun playing around with St. Germain—it’s an elderflower liqueur that seems to be that ‘secret’ ingredient amongst many famed bartenders alike. It’s made with fresh elderflower grown on the hillside of the French Alps—which is essential to the liqueur’s notoriety. Most elderflower liqueur is made from frozen flowers which greatly alters the taste. Not to mention these are hand-picked blossoms. I don’t think it gets more bespoke than that!

I’ve tried St. Germain in a number of different cocktails but two of my favourite recipes are the St-Germain Cocktail and the French Gimlet. They’re refreshing, flavourful and certainly a sip and savour kind of treat!

Before a night out, I’m usually the one hosting the pre-party party. The St. Germain Cocktail is perfect for a few sips before heading out. It’s light, bubbly and not too sweet.

The French Gimlet has become my ultimate go-to for impromptu patio sessions with my girls! It’s easy to make and since a little goes along way, I usually have the ingredients on hand.

The St-Germain Cocktail “The Signature Serve”

● 1.5 parts St-Germain

● 2 parts sparkling brut wine

● 2 parts sparkling water

Method: Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Garnish with a lemon twist, make sure to squeeze essential oils into the glass.

The French Gimlet

● 2 parts Gin or Vodka

● 1 part St-Germain

● 1/2 parts freshly squeezed Lime Juice

Method: Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker and shake well. Strain into a coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist. Consult your mirror and evince your best gimlet-eyed stare. You never know when you might need it.

I picked mine up from the BCL down the street—it comes in around $46 a bottle but it does last… well at least in theory it will! Let me know your favourite St. Germain summertime cocktails in the comments below! Would love to hear from you!!

Natalie xx

 

Photography by Allison Kuhl Photography 

Decor provided by The Cross Decor & Design 

Clothing provided by Barefoot Contessa Boutique

Hair + Makeup by Ana V Beauty

Thank you to Bacardi for sponsoring this post. All comments and opinions are my own.