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Discover 11 fabulous French cocktail recipes that you’ll love making at home. They’re all magnifique!
There’s something special about drinking French cocktails in France and especially in Paris. After all, Paris is the city where Harry MacElhone first mixed iconic cocktails like the Boulevardier, French 75, Sidecar and White Lady.
Ironically, many travelers don’t associate France with cocktails as they do with neighboring Italy. It’s ironic because the French produce excellent liquors including Chartreuse, Cognac, Cointreau and Pastis. And, while the French didn’t invent Absinthe, they popularized the controversial liquor more than a century ago.
But guess what… Drinking French cocktails at home is special too.
Drinking French Cocktails at Home
French cocktails are surprisingly easy to craft at home despite their sophistication. They’re also diverse – some French cocktails double as bourbon bombshells while others sparkle both in the glass and on the tongue. And, in a fun twist, one French cocktail wasn’t actually invented in France.
11 Of The Best French Cocktails
1. French 75
Adding Cointreau to a French 75 elevates the classic cocktail to the next level. You’ll want to drink this sophisticated sipper all year long.
2. Boulevardier
3. Mauresque
4. Kir Royale
With just three ingredients, the Kir Royale is proof that less can be more. An elegant drink that’s super easy to craft at home, the Champagne cocktail is appropriately festive for any holiday or special occasion.
5. Sidecar
The classic Sidecar recipe is both simple and sophisticated with just three ingredients – cognac, orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Replacing the cognac with bourbon takes the classic cocktail to new heights.
6. Old Pal
The Old Pal is a boozier version of the Negroni and Boulevardier. It’s also delicious. Craft one at home in just five minutes and find out if the Old Pal will be your new best friend.
7. Between the Sheets
The Between the Sheets cocktail is a sophisticated sipper that you can order at a fancy bar or craft at home with just a handful of ingredients.
8. Tomate
The Tomate cocktail recipe has just has four ingredients including water and ice. Though you’ll be tempted to drink this refreshing drink on a hot summer day, it’s also the perfect color to serve at a Christmas party or other festive event.
9. White Lady
Proving that you shouldn’t judge a cocktail by its name, the White Lady is a classic drink that’s appropriate for multicultural cocktail connoisseurs.
10. French Connection
11. White Negroni
The White Negroni is France’s take on Italy’s classic cocktail. The elegant drink is an update of the original version with flavors that are simultaneously bright and bitter.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
With the exception of the French Connection cocktail, French cocktails are cocktails that were invented in France. Typical ingredients include Gin, Pastis and Champagne.
While numerous French cocktails are popular both in France and beyond, the Kir Royale and Sidecar are the most iconic French cocktails.
While it’s always a good time to drink French cocktails, the best time is typically in the early evening since many French cocktails are wonderful apertifs.
France is obviously the best place to drink French cocktails. However, it’s also fun to drink French cocktails at bars around the world and to craft them at home.
✸ More Cocktail Collections
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