Tonight: A St. Germain & Champagne Martini...
Typically after a shift at the bar I want a shot and a beer while I'm finishing up my paperwork- mainly because I want to get out of the next bartender's way, but also because I just need a quick drink, no fancy stuff necessary. But every now and then I'll make tons of martinis for customers and find myself getting jealous. Tonight was one such jealous evening and I couldn't wait to have a martini, but it did need to be a simple one for the whole "getting out of the way" reason.
I love St. Germain martinis with pear. but have yet to find a suitable pear-flavored vodka... (Hello, Stolichnaya?) The Grey Goose La Poire isn't worth the price, and the Absolut Pear leaves you with a strange aftertaste- almost medicinal. So that leaves me to use plain vodka with some other form of pear. However, tonight I took the easy route and did a Stoli martini with St. Germain and a champagne float- still delicious in its simplicity. Listening to Serge Gainsbourg tonight and wondering what cocktail he enjoyed after a long day of being awesome... Absinthe, Scotch, pure liquid sex? I wish I knew, but I'll go ahead and name this easy cocktail for him, for lack of any other ideas, as well as my need to call it something other than "a St. Germain & Champagne Martini."
Le Monsieur
2 oz vodka (I prefer Stoli, Tito's, or Monopolowa for a more affordable option)
.5 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liquer
Shake and strain into chilled Martini glass
Top with Champagne
Garnish with lemon zest
Enjoy with:
Monsieur Gainsbourg, of course. For a few other French pop/rock/punk options try Francoise Hardy, Carla Bruni, Crusaders of Love, Creteens, France Gall, or April March (she is American, but sings some of her songs in French and is so adorable.)
Cheers, darlin.
