Learn How To Make Iconic French Cocktails!

Sometimes, you’ve just had a long hard day. Your friends or colleagues are asking you to meet them at the bar, but in reality you just want to unwind and make your own drink. Let’s be honest, no one has time nor money for an 18 dollar watered down vodka cranberry! You want something classic, restrained, and balanced. You, my friend, want a French quality cocktail. However, how does one go about drinking like a European? Let this article be your guide!

1. French 75z: Named after the French 75mm field gun used in World War I, this cocktail is light, crisp, and iconic.
Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
  
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  
• ½ oz simple syrup
  
• Champagne (to top)

Method :

• Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
  
• Strain into a chilled flute.
  
• Top with Champagne.
  
• Garnish with a lemon twist (optional).

2. Kir:The Kir

Originated in Burgundy and remains a staple at casual gatherings and formal receptions alike.
Ingredients

• ½ oz crème de cassis
  
• Dry white wine (traditionally Aligoté)

Method :

• Pour crème de cassis into a wine glass.
  
• Top with chilled white wine.
  
• Gently stir once.
  

(Variation: Kir Royal; replace white wine with Champagne.)

3. Sidecar: Though its exact origin is debated, the Sidecar is closely associated with Paris in the early 20th century.
Ingredients

• 1½ oz cognac
  
• ¾ oz Cointreau
  
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

Method :

• Shake all ingredients with ice.
  
• Strain into a chilled coupe.
  
• Optional: sugar-rim the glass for a softer edge.

4. Pastis: 

Southern France in a glass. Pastis is less a cocktail and more a ritual, particularly in Provence.\
Ingredients

• 1 oz pastis
  
• 4–5 oz cold water
  
• Ice (optional, added after water)

Method :

• Pour pastis into a glass.
  
• Add cold water slowly (the drink will turn cloudy).
  
• Add ice if desired.
  

5. Picon Bière: Popular in eastern France and among café regulars.

Ingredients

• ½–1 oz Amer Picon
  
• Pale lager beer (to top)

Method :

• Pour Amer Picon into a beer glass.
  
• Top with cold beer.
  
• No stirring necessary.

To be a french cocktail is to be demure. They reflect the regional identity and are often drank before meals. Let these beverages complement rather than steer our conversation.
Have fun and drink responsibly!