Jess from the Simon Pearce Restaurant has developed another great line up of cocktails for spring and I’d like to share with you one of my personal favorites, the Elderflower Martini.

St. Germaine is the elderflower liquor that forms the base of this cocktail and this is new to us here in the state of Vermont. I’m glad it’s finally arrived because it makes some delicious drinks and is perfect for the summer, and that great looking bottle can be used in your kitchen to store olive oil, balsamic vinegar or whatever you like to keep close at hand to cook with. If you live close to the restaurant stop by our good friend, Mike McCarthy, who owns the Woodstock liquor store and ask him to save you a bottle of St. Germaine. You’ll be glad you did!!

Elderflowers grow in the Alps region of Europe and have an aroma and character that is best described as crisp and floral with hints of pear, peach and a touch of grapefruit zest. Lo and behold that’s pretty much what you will taste in this perfect summer maritini!

Here’s the recipe that Jess created and this is one of our staff’s favorites: