If you need inspiration for your next cocktail, look no further than home bartender Miles Turner and his St. Germain cocktail. Miles is a creator sharing his love of food and drink (and lots of cocktails!) on the social media platform TikTok.
When the country first went into quarantine, Miles started a TikTok profile to fill his newfound downtime. Soon, his bartending and cooking videos were garnering hundreds of thousands of views!
“TikTok has allowed me to build a community of individuals who share similar interests,” he says.
Dozens of colorful videos fill his feed, inspiring his thousands of followers with ideas for their next work-from-home happy hour. But carbonated drinks aren’t the only bubbly thing on his profile, Miles’ energy and cheerful smile show how much he loves making drinks with his followers!
What Is a St. Germain Cocktail?
This drink is a refreshing mix of floral notes from the elderflower liqueur and lush fruit notes of apple or melon from the wine. It’s topped with just the right amount of fizz from club soda.
“St. Germain does a really good job at lifting the cocktail,” Miles says. “It just has a note you can’t put your finger on.”
That hard-to-describe X factor makes this drink easy to mix up for a special occasion or dress down for a casual evening.
Miles has a clear idea of the perfect night for serving these chilled sippers: “I’d say that it’s summer, on a rooftop with a gorgeous view, and surrounded by friends.” But during 2020, he hasn’t been gathering with friends in light of social distancing so he’s sipping this spritz in a different situation. “Now I enjoy them while sitting on my couch watching Netflix,” he says.
Psst: You can also use St. Germain to make a negroni.
How to Shake Your Cocktail
The only special equipment required for this drink is a cocktail shaker; however, those can be intimidating for cocktail novices. Miles says to hold the shaker horizontally (parallel to the floor) and shake with a back-and-forth motion so that the ice travels the longest possible distance. This will ensure the liquid inside is properly chilled.
He adds, “If you are a beginner, please secure the top of the shaker with your other hand so your cocktail doesn’t end up all over.” Roger that!
If shaking up a mixed drink sparks the desire to share your love of cocktails on TikTok, Miles says, “Post it!” He encourages people not to hold back. “Create content that you love and even if only a couple people see it,” he says, “you’ve probably brought a smile to someone’s day.”
Miles Turner’s Recipe for the St. Germain Cocktail
This recipe serves one, but you can make two at a time.
@mileskee2a lil vid from my collab with the @thefeedfeed #feedfeed #drink #bartender #college #bartending #StrictlyCurls #DIYFashion #fyp #nyc #nj #cocktail♬ Coming Out Diana Ross_smacdance – Smac
Ingredients
- 3 ounces white wine (Miles recommends riesling or chardonnay.)
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur (Miles uses St. Germain, of course.)
- 1-2 ounces club soda
- 2- to 3-inch slice lemon peel
- Ice for shaking and serving
Directions
Step 1: Add white wine and liqueur to a shaker and top with ice.
Step 2: Shake for 20-30 seconds until shaker tin is visibly frosty.
Step 3: Strain mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.
Step 4: Squeeze the peel to release the oils of the lemon, run lemon peel around the rim of the glass before dropping into the cocktail as garnish.
St. Germain is only one of the secret ingredients bartenders swear by—don’t miss the others.
Brandy Old-Fashioned Sweet
Dating back all the way to 1806, the Old-Fashioned has a well deserved moniker. But the perfect balance of brandy, bitters, citrus, fruit and a splash of soda (a favorite addition via Wisconsin), make this cocktail an enduring classic.
Martini
Shaken or stirred, the Martini is the quintessential classic cocktail. Made with gin or vodka, this drink harkens back to bygone eras, though it's a perpetual favorite. Have you ever tried a lychee martini? Here's how to make one.
Bloody Mary
In the early part of the 20th century, vodka and tomato juice was a popular pairing. Soon, though, bartenders began adding a little spice to the drink transforming it into the Bloody Mary that we love today – spicy, savory and served with plenty of garnishes. Learn how to make the best ever Bloody Mary.
Mai Tai
Though it's origins are subject to debate, the Mai Tai ushered in a new wave of mixology in the United States. This tropical, rum drink is synonymous with mid-century tiki culture (and it's darn good to boot).
Gimlet
Simple yet refreshing, it's no wonder the Gimlet has stood the test of time. This combination of lime juice and gin (or vodka if you prefer) is the perfect elixir on balmy days. These vintage drinks deserve a comeback.
Moscow Mule
In recent years, the Moscow Mule has surged in popularity. However, its history can be traced all the way back to the early '40s right here in the USA. With strong ginger flavors paired with lime and vodka, we're not surprised this cocktail had a major comeback. Love mules? Try one of these fun variations.
Refreshing Mojito
This drink first swelled in popularity during the 1920s in Cuba. The combination of fresh mint, a squeeze of lime and white rum was so irresistible that tourists and servicemen demanded the drink upon coming back to the US. And we're happy they did!
Fresh Lime Margaritas
Coming from south of the border is the ever-popular Margarita. This tequila and lime combo made it's debut in Mexico in the early part of the 1900s, and it's been a regular on bar menus ever since. Here's how to take your marg to the next level.
Mint Julep
While it's claim to fame is being the traditional Derby Day drink, the Mint Julep has a long history predating the race. Americans have been enjoying juleps since the 1700s. Packed with fresh mint and bourbon, we're happy this classic hasn't gone out of style. For more flavorful drinks, check out our guide to lychee cocktail recipes.
White Chocolate Brandy Alexander
On the sweeter side of classic cocktails, you'll find the Brandy Alexander. Part brandy, part creme de cacao and part cream, this libation makes a smooth, tasty after dinner drink.The post How to Make a St. Germain Cocktail with TikTok Bartender Miles Turner appeared first on Taste of Home.
Mandy Naglich