French seems to be flavour of the month, with the Olympics on between 26 July – 11 Aug 2024. Here are some French cocktails, complete with recipes to enjoy while watching the Olympic Games:
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Top 10 French Cocktails to enjoy during the Paris Olympics
1. French 75 – A Sparkling Icon – Oh là là !
The French 75, named after a powerful World War I field gun, is a cocktail that epitomizes sophistication and style. This effervescent drink is a delightful mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, with the first recorded recipe appearing in “The Savoy Cocktail Book” in 1930. The French 75 quickly became a favorite among the Parisian elite, celebrated for its refreshing and invigorating qualities.
The French 75 is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail with a perfect balance of gin’s botanical notes, the tartness of lemon juice, and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup, all elevated by the bubbly finesse of Champagne. The result is a light, crisp, and invigorating drink with a delightful zing.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Champagne
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
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2. Kir Royale – Simple Elegance – Magnifique !
For those who appreciate simplicity, the Kir and Kir Royale are quintessential French cocktails. Named after Félix Kir, a former mayor of Dijon, these cocktails are a tribute to the Burgundy region. The classic Kir is made with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) topped with white wine, while the Kir Royale uses Champagne instead of wine. Both versions offer a delightful, slightly sweet aperitif that highlights the French tradition of using local ingredients.
The Kir Royale offers a sophisticated and elegant taste experience, combining the sweet, rich flavor of crème de cassis with the dry, sparkling effervescence of Champagne. The cassis adds a luscious berry note, creating a harmonious and celebratory drink.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz crème de cassis
- Champagne
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Pour crème de cassis into a Champagne flute.
- Top with Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
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3. Sidecar – A Roaring Twenties Delight – Superbe !
Another classic born in the heart of Paris is the Sidecar. This cocktail, a blend of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, is said to have been invented at Harry’s New York Bar during the 1920s. The Sidecar is a perfect representation of the exuberance and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, often associated with jazz clubs and the literary cafes of the Left Bank. Its balance of sweetness and tartness makes it a timeless choice for cocktail aficionados.
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail with a bold and tangy profile, featuring the smooth warmth of cognac, the bright citrus bite of fresh lemon juice, and the sweet, orange essence of Cointreau. This combination creates a perfectly balanced, slightly tart, and aromatic drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cognac
- 3/4 oz Cointreau
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Sugar (for rimming)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rim a coupe glass with sugar.
- In a shaker, combine cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
- Fill with ice and shake well.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
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4. French Martini – Génial !
The French Martini is a modern classic that embodies the elegance of French mixology with a playful twist. Introduced in the 1980s, this cocktail combines vodka, Chambord (a raspberry liqueur), and pineapple juice to create a fruity and vibrant drink. The French Martini’s balance of sweet and tart flavors, coupled with its smooth, velvety texture, has made it a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail.
The French Martini is a fruity and elegant cocktail, blending the smoothness of vodka with the sweet, tangy flavors of pineapple juice and the rich, raspberry undertones of Chambord. The result is a vibrant and refreshing drink with a hint of tropical sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz Chambord
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Raspberry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice.
- Fill with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a raspberry.
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5. Boulevardier – A Robust Classic – Formidable !
The Boulevardier is a lesser-known but equally esteemed French cocktail. Created in the 1920s by American expat Erskine Gwynne, who founded a Parisian literary magazine of the same name, this cocktail is a cousin to the Negroni. It combines bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari, offering a rich and complex flavor profile. The Boulevardier captures the spirit of Parisian café culture and the vibrant expatriate community of the time.
The Boulevardier is a robust and sophisticated cocktail with a deep, complex flavor profile. The bourbon’s rich, caramel notes blend seamlessly with the bitter, citrusy taste of Campari and the sweet, herbal essence of sweet vermouth, creating a bold and warming drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Fill with ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
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6. French Connection – Incroyable !
The French Connection is a simple yet potent cocktail that highlights the rich flavours of cognac and amaretto. Named after the famous 1970s crime film, this drink offers a delightful contrast between the warmth of the cognac and the nutty sweetness of the amaretto. Served over ice, the French Connection is a perfect after-dinner drink that exudes a sense of luxury and indulgence.
The French Connection is a simple yet luxurious cocktail with a rich, smooth taste. The combination of cognac and amaretto creates a warm, nutty flavor with hints of caramel and almond, resulting in a drink that is both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz cognac
- 1 oz amaretto
Instructions:
- Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice.
- Pour cognac and amaretto over the ice.
- Stir gently.
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7. Champagne Cocktail – Sensationnel !
The Champagne Cocktail is a timeless aperitif that dates back to the mid-19th century. This elegant drink is made by placing a sugar cube soaked in Angostura bitters at the bottom of a Champagne flute and then topping it with Champagne. The result is a sparkling, slightly aromatic cocktail that enhances the natural effervescence and flavor of the Champagne, making it ideal for celebrations and special occasions.
The Champagne Cocktail is a classic, elegant drink with a light and effervescent character. The sugar cube, soaked in Angostura bitters, adds a hint of sweetness and a subtle spicy complexity, while the Champagne provides a crisp and refreshing finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Champagne
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in a Champagne flute.
- Add bitters to the sugar cube.
- Top with Champagne.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
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8. French Mojito – Excellent !
The French Mojito is a chic twist on the classic Cuban cocktail, incorporating the floral and aromatic notes of elderflower liqueur. Made with rum, fresh mint, lime juice, elderflower liqueur, and soda water, this cocktail offers a refreshing and fragrant experience. The French Mojito’s light, herbal profile makes it perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing pre-dinner drink.
The French Mojito is a refreshing and aromatic twist on the classic Mojito, featuring the floral, slightly sweet notes of St-Germain elderflower liqueur. Combined with fresh mint, lime, and white rum, this cocktail offers a delightful blend of citrus and herbal flavors with a floral undertone.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- Soda water
- Mint sprig (for garnish)
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.
- Add rum and St-Germain.
- Fill with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.
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9. French Negroni – Splendide !
The French Negroni is a sophisticated variation of the traditional Italian Negroni, substituting gin with dry French vermouth and adding Lillet Blanc. This cocktail retains the Negroni’s distinctive bitterness and complexity while introducing a subtle floral sweetness. The French Negroni is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced, aromatic drink with a touch of French flair.
The French Negroni is a sophisticated and bittersweet cocktail with a balanced and aromatic profile. The gin’s botanical notes, the bitter orange flavor of Aperol, and the crisp, slightly sweet taste of Lillet Blanc come together to create a harmonious and refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1 oz Aperol
- Orange twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine gin, Lillet Blanc, and Aperol.
- Fill with ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
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10. French Kiss – Fabuleux !
The French Kiss is a romantic and indulgent cocktail that combines the richness of cognac with the sweetness of Chambord and a hint of cream. This luscious drink is perfect for special occasions, offering a luxurious blend of flavors that is both decadent and inviting. The French Kiss is often garnished with fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa, adding to its allure and sophistication.
The French Kiss is a fruity and seductive cocktail with a vibrant and refreshing flavor. The smoothness of vodka, combined with the rich, berry notes of Chambord and the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice, creates a delightful and well-balanced drink with a hint of tartness from cranberry juice.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz Chambord
- 1/2 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- Raspberry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice.
- Fill with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a raspberry.
Enjoy crafting and sipping these delightful French-inspired cocktails!
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