Without saying "drink me" on the label, the new St.-Germain elderflower liqueur is as compelling as the vial on the table in “Alice in Wonderland.” With its elegant belle époque bottle, its musky-sweet aroma hinting of Meyer lemon and its mouth-filling honeyed pear flavor, it is hard to resist. On its own, this 40-proof liqueur, said to be the first made from fresh elderflowers hand-picked in the Alps and macerated in eau de vie, is pretty intense unless it’s cut with ice and a splash of soda. But it adds a lush fruitiness to a glass of Champagne or white wine.

Rating

Ultimate Beverage Challenge 93 points (Mar 2012) Incredibly fruity and floral with bright flavors of melon, citrus zest, pear, and quince. Silky and viscous while being vibrant and uplifting. No bar is complete without this unique modern icon. Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2012 Finalist. Incredibly fruity and floral with bright flavors of melon, citrus zest, pear, and quince. Silky and viscous while being vibrant and uplifting. No bar is complete without this unique modern icon.

Technical notes

20% alcohol