Vieux Mot

The Vieux Mot is a sophisticated and bright cocktail that elegantly balances the botanical notes of gin with the sweet, floral character of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Fresh lemon juice provides a tart counterpoint, creating a well-rounded and highly drinkable sour. It is often compared to a Bee's Knees for its similar structure or a simplified French 75 without the sparkling wine. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the delightful interplay of its core ingredients.
Vieux Mot

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Vieux Mot is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It belongs to the "sour" family of drinks, which are characterized by a fundamental balance between a base spirit, a sweet element, and a sour citrus element.

Serving

The Vieux Mot is served "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. It is a spirit-forward but not overly strong drink, making it an elegant and approachable choice.
Serving size
Approx. 105 ml / 3.5 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approx. 22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Vieux Mot was created by bartender T. J. Siegal at the celebrated New York City bar, Milk & Honey, in the mid-2000s. It was designed as a simple yet elegant showcase for St-Germain elderflower liqueur, which had recently been introduced to the market. The cocktail quickly gained popularity within the craft cocktail scene for its pleasing balance and floral complexity, becoming a staple of the modern cocktail revival.
Origin
United States (New York City), circa 2007.

Vieux Mot

The name "Vieux Mot" is French for "Old Word". It is sometimes directly translated and referred to as the "Old Word Cocktail" in English-speaking contexts, reflecting its elegant and classic-style construction.
Original name
Vieux Mot
Alternative name
Old Word Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a bright, floral aroma and a taste profile that expertly balances sweet and sour notes. Its smooth texture and clean finish make it exceptionally refreshing, ideal for warmer seasons.
Flavor
Floral, citrusy, botanical, crisp, slightly sweet
Aroma
Elderflower, lemon zest, juniper
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, floral, short
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale yellow, slightly hazy
Texture
Smooth, light
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring-like

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, led by a prominent sourness and sweetness from lemon and elderflower. The alcohol presence is noticeable but well-integrated, with no bitterness or fizziness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is a simple sour, requiring gin as its base, St-Germain elderflower liqueur for sweetness and flavor, and fresh lemon juice for acidity. A small amount of simple syrup can be added to balance the tartness.
  • Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A London Dry style gin works beautifully to complement the floral notes.
  • St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    St-Germain is the classic choice, but other high-quality elderflower liqueurs can be substituted.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results and vibrant flavor.
  • Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz(optional)
    Adjust to taste. If you prefer a tarter drink, you can omit this entirely.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a set of strainers for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker: for combining and chilling ingredients
  • Jigger: for measuring ingredients accurately
  • Strainer (Hawthorne and fine-mesh): for a clean, pulp-free pour

Instructions

The preparation involves chilling a glass, shaking all liquid ingredients with ice until cold, and then double-straining into the prepared glass. A final garnish of a lemon twist completes the drink.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Add gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup (if using) to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to remove any small ice chips or citrus pulp.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist by expressing the oils over the surface of the drink before placing it on the rim or in the glass.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, adding aromatic citrus oils that complement the drink's flavors and aroma.
  • Lemon twist: Express the oils over the drink before dropping it in or placing it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy, assuming standard ingredients are used. It is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and sugar in the liqueur and syrup. The carbohydrate and sugar content is also moderate.
Calories
Averagely 180-210 kcal / 753-879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10-14 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This light and refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather occasions like spring and summer parties or relaxing on a patio. It also serves wonderfully as a sophisticated apéritif before a meal.
  • Spring gathering
  • Summer patio sipping
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party

Pairing suggestions

The drink's bright, floral, and citrusy profile pairs well with light and fresh foods. Consider serving it with seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail, soft cheeses such as goat cheese, or crisp salads with a light vinaigrette dressing. It is also an excellent companion to sushi.
  • Light seafood appetizers
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Fresh salads with vinaigrette
  • Sushi or sashimi

The Vieux Mot: A Modern Classic with Floral Elegance

The Vieux Mot, French for "Old Word," is a modern classic gin cocktail that beautifully showcases the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur. Created in the mid-2000s, it strikes a perfect balance between botanical gin, tart lemon juice, and the distinctive notes of St-Germain. It's a simple, elegant, and refreshing sour that is shaken and served up in a coupe glass, often compared to a Bee's Knees or a non-sparkling French 75. Its bright character makes it an ideal apéritif or a delightful choice for spring and summer enjoyment.

Similar Cocktails

French 75

A classic cocktail with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, but topped with Champagne for fizz and elegance. It does not typically include elderflower liqueur.

Bee's Knees

Uses honey syrup instead of elderflower liqueur and simple syrup, resulting in a richer, honeyed flavor profile.

White Lady

Uses orange liqueur (like Cointreau) instead of elderflower liqueur and often includes egg white for a frothy texture.

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