Elder Statesman II

This combination of three of my favorite cocktail ingredients miraculously blends together to perfection. Hendrick’s Gin, in addition to the traditional juniper infusion, uses Bulgarian rose and cucumber to add flavor.  Its distinctive character is lighter, sweeter and more floral than more traditional gins.

St. Germain is a sweet liqueur crafted in the artisanal French style from elderberry flowers. Elements of peach, orange, grapefruit, and pear can be detected.  A heady lychee aroma pervades with grapefruit and other citrus undertones.

Aperol, an aperitif/liqueur from Italy, combines the aromas of tangerine and rhubarb with just enough herbal bitterness for balance.

Recipe

1 ½ oz. Hendrick’s Gin

1 ½ oz. St. Germain  (elderflower liqueur)

1 oz. Aperol

One dash Angostura bitters

Tonic water

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Stir in first four ingredients. Top with tonic water.  Savor. Take comfort in the fact that you are warding off malaria.

You must use Hendrick’s Gin.

Cocktail photo by Bill Brady

Ingredients photo by Michael Kirigin