France is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and exquisite cuisine. But did you know that the country is also home to some of the most iconic cocktails in the world?
These drinks are not only delicious but also represent the cultural and historical significance of France.
From the bustling streets of Paris to the quaint towns of Provence, French cocktails are enjoyed throughout the country. Each region has its own unique spin on classic drinks, and bartenders take pride in perfecting their craft.
These cocktails are not just beverages, but a way of life, representing the joie de vivre that is so integral to French culture.
The ingredients used in French cocktails are often locally sourced, adding to the authenticity and quality of the drinks. From fresh herbs and fruits to premium spirits, French cocktails are made with the finest ingredients.
These drinks are not only meant to be enjoyed but also savoured, taking the time to appreciate the flavours and aromas.
The art of cocktail making has been a part of French culture for centuries, with many iconic drinks originating in France. Whether you are sipping on a classic French Martini or enjoying a refreshing Kir Royale, each drink tells a story and represents a piece of French history.
So, sit back, relax, and let's explore the best French cocktail recipes that are sure to transport you to the streets of Paris or the vineyards of Bordeaux.
1. The French Connection Cocktail
The French Connection Cocktail is a simple yet stunning cocktail that combines Cognac and Amaretto. Its name is derived from the iconic 1971 film of the same name, which starred Gene Hackman as a detective in a true crime drama. While the history of the cocktail is not well-known, the use of Cognac, a French brandy, makes it a fitting addition to any French-inspired cocktail menu.
The cocktail is typically stirred and served over ice, with a lemon twist garnish. The combination of the smooth Cognac and sweet Amaretto creates a delicious after-dinner drink that is sure to impress. If you're looking for a unique and sophisticated cocktail to add to your repertoire, The French Connection Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
2. Cranberry 75
Looking for a festive twist on the classic French 75 cocktail? Look no further than the Cranberry 75. This cocktail infuses the traditional gin, sparkling wine, and lemon flavors with a bright burst of cranberry. The result is a beautiful, holiday-hued drink that is perfect for any festive gathering.
The best part? It's incredibly easy to make – simply pour everything into the glass and enjoy. Whether you prefer your cocktails dry or sweet, the Cranberry 75 can be customized to suit your taste. So why not add a little sparkle to your holiday season with this delightful French cocktail?
3. Lychee French 75 Cocktail
The Lychee French 75 Cocktail is a refreshing and sparkling cocktail that is perfect for those who love gin and Prosecco. It has a unique twist with the addition of lychees and rosewater, which gives it a pretty and elegant appearance.
However, don't let its appearance fool you, as this cocktail is pretty lethal and lives up to its name. The combination of Champagne, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup gives it a powerful kick that is sure to leave you feeling a bit tipsy.
4. Coup De Roulis Cocktail
The Coup De Roulis Cocktail is a French cocktail recipe that dates back to 1929. Its name translates to "strong blow," which is fitting for a drink that packs a punch with four different spirits in it. The cocktail calls for Cherry Rocher, a French liqueur produced by a distillery that has been around since 1704.
However, the recipe can also be made with Guignolet, a cherry liqueur and apéritif that can be made at home. The cocktail won the Prix d'honneur du Championnat de Cocktail des Artistes de Paris for Nyna Myral and Robert Burnier. The cocktail is a perfect choice for those looking for a strong drink that is full of history and tradition.
5. French Mule Cocktail
The French Mule Cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with the addition of Cointreau, an orange-flavored liqueur that gives the drink a unique taste. The combination of ginger beer, citrus juices, and Cointreau creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
The use of copper mugs adds to the aesthetic appeal and plays a crucial role in the final taste of the drink. Overall, the French Mule Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail.
6. French Vodka Lemonade Cocktail
The French Vodka Lemonade Cocktail is a refreshing and elegant drink that is perfect for summertime gatherings. Made with Pinnacle® Original Vodka, French lemonade, and garnished with lavender and fresh cherries, this cocktail is a simple yet delicious addition to any French-themed party.
The smooth and clean taste of Pinnacle® Vodka, distilled five times in the Cognac region, makes it a top choice for this cocktail. For a fancier touch, the cocktail can be rimmed with lavender sugar or served with lavender ice cubes. Overall, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of France in their glass.
7. French Connection Cocktail
The French Connection Cocktail is a simple yet sophisticated drink that is perfect for any occasion. This two-ingredient cocktail features Cognac and amaretto, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The almond essence of the amaretto complements the strength of the Cognac, creating a slow-sipper that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
This cocktail is a favorite among many, and it's no surprise why. It's easy to make and perfect for unannounced guests or impromptu gatherings. If you're a fan of two-ingredient cocktails, then the French Connection Cocktail is a must-try.
8. Pomegranate French 75
The Pomegranate French 75 is a festive twist on the classic French 75 cocktail. This cocktail features real pomegranate juice, adding a unique flavor and a splash of festive color to the drink. The addition of pomegranate seeds as garnish adds a beautiful touch to the cocktail.
This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, as it is a light and refreshing drink that is easy to sip on. The Pomegranate French 75 is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little extra sparkle to their holiday season.
9. French Connection With Black Cherry
The French Connection With Black Cherry is a delightful twist on the classic French Connection cocktail. This recipe uses cognac, Disaronno liqueur, and black cherry juice to create a smoother finish with a hint of sweetness. The addition of black cherry juice not only adds a unique flavor but also gives the cocktail a beautiful deep red color.
Garnished with a maraschino cherry, this cocktail is perfect for a romantic or celebratory dinner. If you're a fan of cognac and looking for a new way to enjoy it, the French Connection With Black Cherry is definitely worth a try.
10. French Martini
The French Martini is a sweet and fruity cocktail that is sure to impress any guest. Made with Grey Goose vodka and Chambord, a raspberry liqueur from France, this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Pineapple juice adds a tropical twist and creates a silky foam layer on top.
The French Martini is a visually stunning drink that is just as good as it looks. It's no wonder that it's a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. If you're looking for a sweet and smooth cocktail that's perfect for any occasion, the French Martini is definitely worth a try.
11. French Martini Cocktail
The French Martini Cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. It's a perfect blend of sweet and fruity flavors that make it a mainstay in cocktail culture. This cocktail features vodka, chambord, and pineapple juice, which creates a perfect balance of flavors. Chambord, a French black raspberry liqueur, is the star of the show and gives this cocktail its unique taste.
The French Martini is a perfect cocktail for any occasion, be it a night out with friends or a romantic dinner with your significant other. It's a simple yet elegant drink that is sure to impress. So, if you're looking for a classic cocktail with a French twist, the French Martini is the perfect choice.
12. French 77 Cocktail
The French 77 Cocktail is a floral and festive cocktail that is perfect for any celebration. This cocktail is a variation of the classic French 75 and is made with elderflower liqueur, gin, and sparkling wine. What makes this cocktail unique is the use of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, which adds a nice floral note and sweetness to the drink.
The gin and sparkling wine balance out the sweetness, making it a well-rounded cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for those who love floral cocktails and want to try something new. It's easy to make and can be served in vintage glassware to add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Try the French 77 Cocktail at your next celebration and impress your guests with this delicious and unique cocktail.
13. French Gimlet
The French Gimlet is a classic cocktail that is perfect for those who love a refreshing and tart drink. This sophisticated cocktail is made with just three ingredients, and the warm floral flavor of the elderflower liqueur adds a unique twist to the traditional gin gimlet.
The French Gimlet is a perfect introduction to St Germain, a must-have ingredient for any cocktail enthusiast. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or for impressing guests at a dinner party. If you're looking for a chic and sophisticated cocktail with a French twist, the French Gimlet is definitely worth a try.
14. Amaretto French 75
The Amaretto French 75 is a delightful twist on the classic French 75 cocktail. This drink combines the bittersweet flavor of Amaretto with the refreshing taste of lemon, gin, and Champagne. It's the perfect cocktail for any season, but especially great in the early spring or fall.
The lemon flower garnish adds a touch of elegance to the drink, making it a great choice for a special occasion or a fancy night out. If you're a fan of the French 75, this Amaretto version is definitely worth a try.
15. The Tunnel Cocktail
If you're looking for a French cocktail that's simple yet sophisticated, The Tunnel Cocktail is a must-try. This drink is served at Cravan, a historic landmark café in Paris, and is a twist on the classic Negroni. The Tunnel Cocktail features gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and Campari, all expertly blended to create a perfectly balanced drink that's distinctly French.
The cocktail is served in vintage glassware, adding to the ambiance of the historic café. If you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a delicious cocktail and some of the best bar food in Paris, Cravan is the place to be. The Tunnel Cocktail is just one of many high-quality drinks on the menu, so be sure to stop by and try it for yourself.
16. French 76 and 75
The French 76 and 75 are classic French cocktails that are perfect for any occasion. The French 75 is made with gin, while the French 76 is made with vodka, but both are mixed with lemon juice and simple syrup, and then topped off with champagne.
The gin in the French 75 adds a distinct flavor of juniper berry, while the vodka in the French 76 allows the champagne to be the primary flavor of the drink. These cocktails have a unique taste and are perfect for those who want a little bit of a kick in their drink.
17. Kir Royale Cocktail
The Kir Royale Cocktail is a chic and refreshing French cocktail that has become a staple in many French cafes and dinner parties. Made with crème de cassis and champagne, this cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and dry. It is a great way to elevate the classic Le Kir, which is made with dry white wine.
The Kir Royale Cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual get-together with friends or a formal dinner party. The sweetness of the cocktail pairs beautifully with slightly salty canapes, making it a perfect addition to any appetizer spread. If you're looking for a simple yet elegant cocktail to impress your guests, the Kir Royale Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
18. Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier Cocktail is a classic French cocktail made with bourbon whiskey, vermouth, Campari, and a twist of orange peel. It is similar to the Negroni but made with whiskey instead of gin.
This particular variation has a unique twist with the addition of cognac and a lemon peel. The cocktail is sophisticated, fruity, and citrusy, with a bitter taste due to the addition of Campari. It's a perfect choice for those who enjoy manhattans and don't shy away from Campari.
19. French 77 Pink Champagne Cocktail
The French 77 Pink Champagne Cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, perfect for special occasions and celebrations. This cocktail adds a touch of Elderflower Liqueur to the mix, giving it a unique and sophisticated flavor. The pink gin and pink sparkling wine combine to create a beautiful salmon pink color that is sure to impress your guests.
The addition of a sugar rim adds a touch of sparkle to the presentation. The Gin Lane 1751 ‘Victoria Pink Gin’ used in the recipe is a well-balanced gin with juniper still at the forefront but with a beautifully harmonious balance of herbal and spiced bitters. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new and different from the classic French 75.
20. Lilac French 75
The Lilac French 75 is a delightful twist on the classic French 75 cocktail. This cocktail is a celebration of spring blossoms and is made with a lilac-infused simple syrup that gives it a sweet floral aroma and a beautiful pink color.
The cocktail is made with gin, lilac simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and topped with sparkling wine. It is light, refreshing, and perfect for stimulating the appetite as an aperitif before a meal. The Lilac French 75 is a must-try for anyone who loves floral and fragrant cocktails.
21. Dubonnet Cocktail
Dubonnet Cocktail is a French aperitif that has been around for over 170 years. Made from a blend of red grapes, herbs, blackcurrant, and a touch of quinine, it is a perfect balance to herbaceous gin. This beautiful pink cocktail is not too sweet and has a 14.8% alcohol by volume. The Queen of England was a fan of this cocktail, and it has seen a resurgence in popularity recently.
Dubonnet can be served in a variety of ways, including on the rocks or with soda. It is a perfect choice to serve as an aperitif before a meal. The dry gin balances the Dubonnet, making it a perfect choice for gin lovers. If you're looking for a unique and elegant cocktail, Dubonnet Cocktail is a must-try.
22. Kir Royale
If you're looking for a sophisticated French cocktail to elevate any occasion, look no further than the Kir Royale. Made with only two ingredients – dry sparkling wine and Chambord – this pretty-in-pink drink is perfect for any celebration. Legend has it that the cocktail was created by a Catholic priest during World War II, who added blackcurrant liqueur to local white wine to mimic the color of the lost red wines.
The Kir Royale is a variation of the original cocktail, with Champagne replacing the white wine. Served in a flute with a stem, this bubbly cocktail is perfect as an apertif before dinner or paired with dessert. With its easy preparation and elegant presentation, the Kir Royale is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.
23. Kir Royal
One of the most popular French cocktails is the Kir Royal. This fizzy drink is a variation of the classic French Kir, made with blackcurrant liqueur and topped with Champagne or Crémant de Bourgogne.
The Kir Royal is perfect as an apéritif before dinner, and its fruity flavor is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of French mixology.
24. Made in France Bénédictine Cocktail
The Made in France Bénédictine Cocktail is a sweet and smooth liqueur-based cocktail made with 27 herbs and spices. It has a unique taste with hints of honey, licorice, and sweet spices. The cocktail is similar to a martini and is best stirred and mixed with ice to dilute the liqueur.
The history of Bénédictine dates back to the 16th century when monks created the elixir, and it is still made in a small village in Normandy, France. The cocktail is a must-try for anyone who enjoys Old Fashioned or Manhattan cocktails. If you're looking for a unique and delicious French cocktail, the Made in France Bénédictine Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
25. French 75
The French 75 is a champagne-based cocktail with gin and lemon juice that packs a punch. It's a dry and tart drink that can be an acquired taste, but for those who enjoy bold flavors, it's a must-try.
The key to a great French 75 is using brut champagne and Tanqueray Ten gin. It pairs well with savory dishes and is a cocktail that is sure to impress those who enjoy a bold and flavorful drink.
26. Champs De Violette
Champs De Violette is a French cocktail that is perfect for springtime parties. This effervescent champagne cocktail is made with just three easy ingredients, including Creme de Violette, which gives the drink a beautiful floral essence and fragrance of spring. The liqueur is light and floral, with the natural aromas of violet blooms.
It pairs perfectly with champagne, and a splash of lemon pulls the flavors of the violet and champagne together. The cocktail is easy to serve to small and large crowds, making it a must-try for baby showers, birthdays, bridal showers, and other events. With its dreamy spring-worthy beverage and beautiful violet hue, Champs De Violette is sure to be a hit at any party.
27. Vin Chaud Au Grand Marnier
Vin Chaud Au Grand Marnier is a luxurious Après-Ski drink that originated in the French Alps. This classic mulled wine recipe is elevated with the addition of Grand Marnier, a premium orange-flavored liqueur. The warm, spicy aroma of the simmering wine mixed with the sweet citrus scent of orange peel creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
The addition of Grand Marnier adds a touch of luxury to the traditional recipe, making it the perfect drink to enjoy after a long day on the slopes. This French cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a sophisticated and delicious winter drink.
28. Cranberry Kir Royale
The Cranberry Kir Royale is a festive and colorful twist on the classic French aperitif, Kir Royale. Made with dry champagne and creme de cassis, the addition of cranberry juice gives it a fruity and cheerful flavor.
This cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings and is an instant crowd pleaser. Garnishing with fresh cranberries adds an extra touch of cheer. If you're looking for a simple yet impressive cocktail to serve at your next party, the Cranberry Kir Royale is definitely worth trying.
