Best French Cocktails for a Chic Cocktail Party

Hosting a chic cocktail party is all about the ambiance, delicious bites, and most importantly, the drinks. French cocktails bring sophistication and a delightful twist that can impress your guests. Here are some of the best French cocktails you should consider serving at your next gathering.

1. French 75

The French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. This effervescent drink is named after a French artillery field gun, as its kick is as powerful as its namesake.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce gin
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3 ounces champagne
  • Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and sugar with ice.
  2. Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne.
  3. Garnish with a lemon twist.

2. Kir Royale

The Kir Royale is an elegant aperitif that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. It's a mixture of crème de cassis and champagne, resulting in a beautiful cocktail perfect for toasting.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce crème de cassis
  • 5 ounces champagne
  • Fresh raspberry (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Pour crème de cassis into a champagne flute.
  2. Slowly top with champagne, allowing it to mix gently.
  3. Garnish with a fresh raspberry.

3. Vesper Martini

Made famous by James Bond, the Vesper Martini offers a unique twist on the classic martini. It consists of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, giving it a floral note that elevates any cocktail experience.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce vodka
  • 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
  • Lemon peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
  3. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

4. Sidecar

The Sidecar is a timeless classic that strikes a perfect balance between citrus and sweetness. Made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, this cocktail embodies French elegance.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces cognac
  • 1 ounce orange liqueur
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice
  • Sugar (for rimming the glass)
  • Orange twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Rim the glass with sugar.
  2. In a shaker, combine cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into the glass and garnish with an orange twist.

5. Pimm's Cup

Though originally British, the Pimm's Cup has been embraced in France, especially during summer. It's refreshingly light and perfect for outdoor gatherings, combining Pimm’s No. 1 with a medley of fruits and flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces Pimm's No. 1
  • 1/2 lemon (sliced)
  • 1/2 orange (sliced)
  • Cucumber (sliced)
  • Mint leaves (for garnish)
  • Ginger ale or lemonade (to top)

Instructions:

  1. In a glass, combine Pimm