We’re doing a little bit of skipping and heading on to 17 Prairial before doubling back to peas in our next post. Today, we celebrate the elderberry with a cocktail using St. Germain. Up until last year, I had foolishly thought that the liqueur was as storied as its art deco bottle. I was surprised to discover when reading about the inventor’s death in 2016 that St. Germain has only been on the market since 2007. The liqueur is made not from the elderberry, but from the very fragrant blossoms of the tree. To celebrate, I have made a cocktail that I have enjoyed for the past five years – ever since I read the recipe for it on The Kitchn. They had a series celebrating Downton Abbey in 2012 where each of the three sisters received their own cocktail. This is the Lady Sybil. For me, it ranks up there as one of my favorite cocktails to make and drink – a close second to the Gin Bennet.

The Lady Sybil 

1 oz gin

1/2 oz St. Germain

Chilled brut Champagne (I use cava, usually)

Combine the Gin and St. Germain in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Pour into coupe or flute and top off with Champagne. Long live Lady Sybil!