Fresh cucumber and lemon are muddled with a bit of sugar and then mixed with gin (or vodka) and a splash of St-Germain to create the St-Germain Dillinger Cocktail, a uniquely refreshing drink.
If you aren’t familiar with St-Germain, let me introduce you to my favorite liqueur. St-Germain is a sweet French liqueur made from elderberry flowers.
The unusual flavor is a bit of peach, pear, orange and grapefruit. The drink can be made as sweet or as savory as you like. If, like me, you prefer your drink a bit sweeter, add a little more sugar or St-Germain.
If savory is more your style, start with the smaller amounts and taste before adding more sweetness to the drink. Another delicious slightly savory drink is the Basil Cucumber Gimlet.
My sister has been telling me about this cocktail for a month or so now. She first tried it at a local restaurant and she has been making her version of it at home ever since.
When she finally had a chance to make one for me this past weekend, it fully lived up to my expectations.
When I started writing this post, I looked around for other recipes to compare it with. I didn’t find anything quite the same. Apparently, “The Dillinger” is not as common as one might think.
I found recipes calling for everything from cream to triple sec, from dill sprigs to prosecco. It would appear that there is not an official way to mix a Dillinger; if you’ve ever tried one, I’d love to hear about it.
St-Germain Dillinger Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 slices cucumber
- 2 slices lemon
- 2 - 4 teaspoons sugar or about 1 tablespoon simple syrup*
- 1.5 ounces gin or vodka low to middle shelf is fine with this mixed drink
- .5 - 1 ounce St-Germain I preferred mine with a stronger flavor
- 2-4 ounces club soda
- Ice
Instructions
- In the bottom of a heavy glass, muddle (or crush) the cucumber and lemon with the sugar. Add the gin and St-Germain and stir to combine. Fill the glass with ice and then stir again. Top with club soda. Taste and add more simple syrup or St-Germain to adjust the sweetness as desired. Enjoy!
- * To make simple syrup for mixed drinks: Combine ½ cup water and 1/2
- cup white sugar in a jar and shake until the sugar is dissolved. This
- will keep in the refrigerator until you need it again. It will be much
- thinner than traditional simple syrup and will mix smoothly into the
- drinks.
Pam says
I'm always looking for new cocktails to try. Definitely have to get some St. Germain.
Big Dude says
Very interesting drink Mary – I've never heard of cucumber in one, but from what I see on TV the mixologists seem to be working very hard to create new cocktails.
Greg says
That sounds wonderful. We love St. Germain, always looking for new ways to use it.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I loved hearing about the St. Germain – sounds great! Also love the refreshing cucumber and the drink looks like lemonade. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!
Helene Dsouza says
yum you added some St.Germain! =D
I ll have a job for my husband to mix me your cocktail.
Liz Berg says
I'd go with the full ounce, too! Looks fantastic, Mary!
Sue/the view from great island says
St Germain is one of my favorites, and muddled cucumber is a new one on me, what a refreshing cocktail, Mary!
Joy Bee says
Thanks for the post, this sounds nice and refreshing. I've never had St Germain before, I just have to find it so I can try this.
Monet says
I'll be saving this for next year! Thank you for sharing sweet friend. I'm nursing a bit of a cold, and this post cheered me right up. I hope you are having a happy end to your week!
Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says
I have never had St. Germain before – may have to try it. This looks really refreshing, summery.
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Donna Elick says
Howdy lady! Your St Germain Dillenger cocktail is our most popular cocktail of the week. Come check it our fabulous feature on this weeks Ladies Night Celebration and share your favorite cocktails, appetizers and treats!!!
Becky says
I was visiting Jenny when she first tried the drink and immediately recreated it at home for me. This has quickly become my mom and my favorite drink!
Shelly says
The drink I had that was similar was called The Existentialist. It was served at a restaurant called Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee. Wonderfully refreshing and highly intoxicating.
Lacey Patino says
Loved the recipe! It was a very refreshing, not overpowering cocktail.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love it, Lacey!