The Classic French Cocktail Recipes You Should Know

French cocktail culture is rich and varied, embodying the essence of elegance and flavor. If you're looking to add a touch of sophistication to your cocktail repertoire, here are some classic French cocktail recipes you should know.

1. French 75

The French 75 is a sparkling cocktail that combines gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. Perfect for celebrations, this drink is both refreshing and bubbly.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • Champagne
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, lemon juice, and sugar.
  2. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
  3. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

2. Kir Royale

This vibrant cocktail features crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, topped with sparkling wine or champagne. Ideal for any occasion, the Kir Royale is both chic and delightful.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz crème de cassis
  • 5 oz champagne or sparkling wine

Instructions:

  1. Pour the crème de cassis into a flute glass.
  2. Slowly top with champagne or sparkling wine.
  3. Gently stir and enjoy!

3. Sidecar

The Sidecar is a timeless classic that blends cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz cognac
  • 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • Sugar for rimming the glass

Instructions:

  1. Rim a cocktail glass with sugar.
  2. Shake the cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice with ice.
  3. Strain into the prepared glass and serve.

4. Aperol Spritz

This cocktail is a refreshing drink perfect for summer afternoons. While it originated in Italy, it has become a popular choice in France, especially in terrace bars.

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 2 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz soda water
  • Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a wine glass filled with ice, add Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water.
  2. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

5. Pimm’s Cup

A Pimm's Cup is a refreshing garden party drink that blends Pimm's No. 1 with lemonade and assorted fruits. It's the perfect accompaniment to sunny days.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Pimm's No. 1
  • 3 oz lemonade
  • Fresh fruits (cucumber, strawberries, orange slices)

Instructions:

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add Pimm's No. 1 and lemonade.
  3. Garnish with fresh fruits and enjoy.

6. Mint Julep

While often associated with the South of the U.S., the Mint Julep has French origins and is renowned for its cooling mint and bourbon blend, typically enjoyed at major horse races like the Kentucky Derby.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Fresh mint leaves