St-Germain and St Elder are two types of liqueur that some people use interchangeably, but they are actually different products with distinct flavors and backgrounds. In this article, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, and tasting notes of St-Germain and St Elder to understand how they differ.
What is St-Germain?
St-Germain is a French liqueur flavored with elderflower blossoms. It was created in 2007 by Robert Cooper, a distiller who pioneered the reintroduction of elderflower as an artisanal flavoring for beverages. The liqueur is produced by the Cooper Spirits Company.
St-Germain is made from a blend of grape brandy, elderflower blossoms, and fruit juices. The raw elderflowers are hand-picked once a year at the height of blossoming in Europe. Approximately 1000 lbs of elderflowers go into making each batch of St-Germain.
Here are some key facts about St-Germain:
- Alcohol Content: 20% ABV
- Color: Clear, pale yellow
- Flavor: Elderflower, pear, lychee, grapefruit
- Sweetness Level: Semi-sweet
- Region of Production: France
St-Germain is a versatile liqueur that mixes well in cocktails ranging from champagne drinks to tiki-style mixes. It brings a floral, fruity character with subtle citrus notes. The elderflower flavor is delicate and not overpowering.
What is St Elder?
St Elder is a Swedish liqueur flavored with elderflower. It is produced by the Altia company and made at the Koskenkorva distillery in Finland.
St Elder originated in Sweden in the 1930s. It was created by pharmacist J. E. Sundquist as a medicinal elderflower and iron tonic. The liqueur became popular as a drink ingredient and continues production today as a Swedish specialty.
Here are some details on St Elder:
- Alcohol Content: 15% ABV
- Color: Clear
- Flavor: Elderflower, pear, citrus
- Sweetness Level: Semi-sweet
- Region of Production: Finland
St Elder has a straightforward elderflower profile with crisp pear notes and moderate sweetness. The elderflower flavor is bolder and more intensely floral than St-Germain. St Elder works well in cocktails where a stronger elderflower presence is desired.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s compare some key characteristics of St-Germain and St Elder:
| Characteristic | St-Germain | St Elder |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | 20% ABV | 15% ABV |
| Color | Pale yellow | Clear |
| Flavor Profile | Elderflower, pear, lychee, grapefruit | Elderflower, pear, citrus |
| Sweetness | Semi-sweet | Semi-sweet |
| Region | France | Finland |
As the table illustrates, St-Germain has a lower alcohol content and subtle pale color compared to the neutral clarity of St Elder. Both liqueurs are semi-sweet, but St-Germain has a more complex flavor profile with tropical fruit nuances while St Elder shows straightforward elderflower and pear.
Tasting Notes
Let’s look at some tasting notes comparing the flavor profiles of St-Germain and St Elder:
St-Germain Tasting Notes
- Color: Glimmering pale yellow
- Aroma: Elegant elderflower blossom, fresh lychee, green pear
- Flavor: Delicate and smooth, not too sweet; elderflower, ripe pear, grapefruit, honeysuckle
- Finish: Floral citrus lingers, well-balanced
St Elder Tasting Notes
- Color: Clear white
- Aroma: Intense elderflower, nectar, hints of chamomile and ginger
- Flavor: Bold elderflower up front, fresh pear, lemon verbena; moderately sweet
- Finish: Clean, slightly tart citrus
These tasting observations reflect the more delicate, complex nature of St-Germain compared to the bolder elderflower intensity of St Elder. St-Germain has a fruitier presence while St Elder leans more floral and herbal.
Cocktail Uses
How do St-Germain and St Elder work in cocktails? Here are some guidelines:
- St-Germain shines when added to light, bright cocktails. Its flavor profile works well with ingredients like gin, vodka, sparkling wine, and fruit juices.
- St Elder has a bolder elderflower flavor that stands out in cocktails. It pairs nicely with aged spirits like whiskey or rum and holds its own in tiki-style drinks.
- Use St-Germain when you want a delicate floral enhancement in a cocktail. Use St Elder when you really want the elderflower to take center stage.
- For champagne cocktails, St-Germain adds a lovely fruitiness without overwhelming the bubbly. St Elder may overpower more subtle champagnes.
- In gin cocktails, St-Germain adds balanced floral aromatics. St Elder might clash with some juniper-forward gins.
Understanding their flavor profiles helps determine which liqueur to use in different cocktail recipes. St-Germain smooths and elevates more delicate mixes, while St Elder punches up the elderflower in bold concoctions.
Availability and Pricing
St-Germain and St Elder have different availability and typical price points:
- St-Germain: Widely distributed in the US, Europe, Australia. Around $30-$35 per 750ml bottle.
- St Elder: Main availability is in Sweden, Finland, parts of Europe. Around $20 per 750ml bottle.
St-Germain has gained global popularity as a specialty liqueur, commanding a higher price tag. St Elder remains largely a regional product, at a more budget-friendly price point.
Which One Should You Choose?
So when should you use St-Germain versus St Elder? Here are some recommendations:
- If you want an elegant, subtler elderflower flavor, choose St-Germain.
- If you want intense, bold elderflower, go with St Elder.
- For delicate or sparkling cocktails, St-Germain works best.
- For tiki drinks and spirit-forward cocktails, use St Elder.
- If you can find St-Germain easily, it makes a versatile liqueur to have on hand.
- If you’re in Sweden or Finland, enjoy St Elder for an authentic elderflower experience.
Try both liqueurs in different cocktail recipes to appreciate their unique styles. St-Germain shines in fruit-forward drinks while St Elder powers up the elderflower flavor. Understanding the nuances helps select the best liqueur for each drink.
Conclusion
St-Germain and St Elder both deliver the floral charm of elderflower, but in different ways. St-Germain expresses a delicate, complex fruitiness. St Elder provides an intense hit of elderflower nectar. While they are not identical, both liqueurs bring elderflower’s allure to cocktails.
St-Germain works beautifully in refreshing, light mixes where its elegant flavors can shine. St Elder packs an elderflower punch that holds up in tiki, bitter, and spirit-forward drinks. Choosing between them depends on the flavor profile you want.
Now that you know the distinct differences between St-Germain and St Elder, you can decide which elderflower liqueur fits your cocktail needs. Both deliver a taste of elderflower in their own unique styles.