With a deep muscat-like nose, a slightly acidic lychee taste, and a surprisingly light body, St-Germain elderflower liqueur has become a staple of the craft bartender in drinks both refreshing and boozy. Violet flavors are well represented with the Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette, as well as a brand- new product from the savvy makers of St-Germain: a re-creation of the nearly extinct Crème Yvette, a high-proof violet liqueur that stands up surprisingly well to big, aggressive spirits like whiskey and tequila.

Floral cocktails can be ethereal, but they can just as quickly turn soapy. Be mindful of your measures and keep the mix in check. For boozier cocktails— those without the addition of citrus (such as martini and old fashioned styles)—I’d suggest limiting their use to a half-ounce or quarter-ounce alongside the playfulness of blanc or dry vermouth. Always think of these ingredients in the context of the aromas and flavors they seek to evoke: fresh, lively, and exceedingly complex.

Recipe:

Callao Schooner
1½ oz Encanto Pisco
½ oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
½ oz amontillado sherry
½ oz sweet vermouth
1 dash orange bitters

Stir all with ice, strain into glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

More Refreshing Drink Recipes Perfect for Summer: 

William & Mary
2 oz Plymouth Gin
¾ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz Yellow Chartreuse
½ oz simple syrup
¼ oz Maraschino liqueur
3 dashes Rose & Lavender Bitters*

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Rose & Lavender Bitters
1 part Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters
1 part Lavender Tincture**
1 part Rose Water

Mix together fully; put into a covered container and keep refrigerated.

Lavender Tincture**
Take 4 grams loose Blue Lavender Leaf and 5 oz high-proof neutral alcohol (Everclear if you can get it; high-proof vodka if not). Allow both to mingle for 4 days in a sealed container; strain out Lavender leaf.