I recently bought a bottle of St-Germain elderflower liqueur after seeing the spirit used in almost every bar I've frequented in the past year. Jason Wilson, the Washington Post spirits columnist, writes in his book, "Boozehound", that many bartenders refer to elderflower liqueur as "bartender's ketchup" because it's become so ubiquitous in modern day cocktail recipes.

True to its reputation, St-Germain has already become a very welcome addition to my home bar. The taste is subtle and sweet and pairs well with numerous flavors and liquors. It doesn't hurt that it comes packaged in an elegant art deco bottle that looks lovely on my bar. 

The St-Germain website has an extensive number of cocktails to make with the liqueur. Here's a recipe that I've made several times that would make for a perfect summer party cocktail. The gin cuts the elderflower's sweetness just a bit and the lemon adds the right amount of citrus. Even if you typically shy away from gin drinks, give this one a try. My husband isn't much of a fan of gin but loves this cocktail. 

Vieux Mot (makes one drink)

• 1 1/2 ounces gin (recipe suggests Plymouth, but I used Bombay Sapphire)
• 1/2 ounce St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

Pour the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake, then strain into a chilled glass.