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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.
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.
A Boulevardier cocktail is a Negroni crafted with bourbon instead of gin. It combines bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth to create a cocktail that you'll want to sip all night long.
See why drinking a Mauresque cocktail is one of the greatest joys of visiting Marseille. Then learn how to make the French cocktail at home with just four ingredients.
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.
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.
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.
The Tomate cocktail recipe has just four ingredients including water and ice. Though you'll be tempted to sip this refreshing drink on a hot summer day, it's also the perfect color to serve at a Christmas party or other festive event.
The French Connection cocktail has a fun name and is super easy to craft at home. However, don't underestimate this two-ingredient cocktail that tastes greater than the sum of its two parts.
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.
With the exception of the French Connection cocktail, French cocktails are cocktails that were invented in France. Typical ingredients include Gin, Pastis and Champagne.
What are the most iconic French cocktails?
While numerous French cocktails are popular both in France and beyond, the Kir Royale and Sidecar are the most iconic French cocktails.
When is the best time to drink 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.
Where is the best place to drink French cocktails?
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.
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Funding We purchased the ingredients and tools used to craft these cocktails.
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Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on their website 2foodtrippers. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.
