Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Strawberry St-Germain Cocktail and a Toast to Time


Nine days and 3,002 miles in an RV – our spring break family road trip! The destination was Boulder, Colorado. My older son, Sam, is looking at colleges and University of Colorado is on his list. We’ve always wanted to do an RV trip and this was an ideal opportunity to rent one and set out on an adventure.


New sights and experiences, meeting cousins, seeing friends, family time – this trip had it all, especially time for talking, reading, laughing and savoring the four of us together on the road.


I marvel at all we saw ... the blinding white salt flats in Utah


and the vast, stark beauty of the Wyoming plains.


Other than the RV muffler pipe breaking somewhere in Wyoming (easily repaired at a muffler shop) and a speeding ticket in Boulder (not in the RV!), all went smoothly.


I returned home feeling a warm glow from all there is to celebrate – time spent with family and friends, a sunny spring evening, the sweet smell of jasmine that welcomed us as we came up our front steps. I felt like toasting life – time for a cocktail!


As the weather warms, my bottle of St-Germain (elderflower liqueur) migrates to the front of our liquor cabinet. Its floral, citrusy flavor pairs beautifully with champagne for a sparkling drink to sip – always a favorite of mine. Some pureed strawberries add a kiss of pink and hint of berry flavor.


Cheers to cherished memories and to time spent together!

Strawberry St-Germain Cocktail
Makes 2

4 teaspoons strawberry puree (I whizzed 3 large strawberries in the food processor until smooth)
2 ounces St.-Germain liqueur
Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
2 strawberries for garnish

Pull out your 2 favorite champagne coupes or flutes. Add 2 teaspoons of strawberry puree and 1 ounce of St.-Germain to each glass. Pour champagne into each glass until filled. Garnish with a strawberry, clink glasses and sip away.

9 comments:

  1. Cheers! Sounds like a fantastic trip. And what a fresh & celebratory cocktail, I actually have some elderflower cordial, and while I wait for next strawberry season I may have to seek out some frozen ones.

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    1. Thank you, Mairi! Frozen strawberries would work very well - I'm a fan of frozen berries when they aren't in season. I have to have blueberries in my morning oatmeal! I hope you enjoy the cocktail.

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  2. Add some NOLET'S Silver Dry gin to that and you have a fantastic cocktail as well. The Raspberry, Peach and Rose in the NOLET'S Silver dry Gin blend perfectly with the St. Germain and Champagne.

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  3. What beautiful pictures! And what a yummy sounding drink! I'm afraid St. Germaine might be a little hard to come by for the moment around here. Went into a state run liquor store yesterday and WHEESH! It's pretty stark in there...

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    1. Thank you so much, Brooke! And thanks for the heads up on the local liquor stores...hmm, I'll have to ration the St-Germain for awhile.

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  4. What a fantastic trip! I've never been to Colorado, even though we're right next door. I'd definitely like to visit sometime (oh and go to Wyoming, too). Best of luck to Sam in his college-selecting. I know it can be a rather nerve-wracking time. I was constantly wondering if I'd made the right decision! Thankfully, I think I did.

    I am so terribly jealous that you've got a bottle of St-Germain. I can't find any and I can't have liquor shipped to Kansas! :-( I may have to bring a trip back from vacation later this year...

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    1. It was truly an amazing time, Lauren - I'm still a little sad it's over. There will be more adventures in the future, though! Thank you for your supportive words for Sam. We stopped at a number of colleges along the way and it was helpful for him to see different campuses and start determining what he's looking for. It's a big decision! I loved Wyoming - it was my first visit and I want to go back and spend some more time there.

      What a bummer you don't have access to St-Germain (and that you can't ship liquor to Kansas)...I think you need a road trip! :)

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  5. Another home run recipe...also going on the list! I can eat Angel Food Cake and Cocktails for the rest of my life, right??

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    1. Absolutely! In fact, that's a terrific idea - I love it. :)

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