It is mid May and in the south, spring is batting her eyelashes at summer. Warm, sunny evenings on the patio call for a cold, sparkling, refreshing cocktail, cause to celebrate the steamy, hot months ahead. I don't know much about libations, but I do have just the drink for you. And yes, it is infused with St. Germain, that French liqueur made from handpicked, star shaped, elderflowers, which bloom for 4-6 weeks every spring in the mountains of France. (Just that sentence alone makes it feel appropriately celebratory!) The taste of this easy liqueur is mildly floral, but with notes of pear and melon. This cocktail is summer by the pool, a romantic wedding, and laughter of friends, all stirred together and poured over a glass of ice. In fact, one of our newlywed couples, Chris and Tiffany, chose this as the signature cocktail at their wedding reception. 

I know that you've come to expect complicated recipes from me, with hours of chilling and many bowls for mixing. To prove that this is not one of those recipes, my pajama clad sweetheart mixed it up; he will be the first to tell you that while he still helps me wash the dishes every evening, he does not cook, or mix, or do recipes. Have I said yet today, how much I love him?! He certainly is the sparkle in my champagne. 

St. Germain Cocktail

2 parts Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine

1 1/2 part St. Germain

2 parts Club Soda 

Lemon slices

Stir ingredients together into a pitcher. Pour the champagne gently, down the sides of the container, to preserve as many bubbles as possible. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with a slice of fresh lemon. This is a lovely, welcoming drink when dinner guests first arrive at your home.