A couple of weeks ago we hymned the praises of Italy, both for its contributions to human civilisation and for being the source of more than one great cocktail. Now if there’s one place that runs Italy close in the Civilisation/Culture Stakes it has to be France. Art, science, music philosophy, fashion, scenery-it’s no wonder so many of us like to go there on holiday. So to acknowledge the debt of le toute humaine to the French, we salute three of their greatest cocktails. (spoiler: we did the French 75 in a previous blog, so you won’t find it here)
1. The Sidecar
Actual French pedigree: 10/10 Invented (depending on which bar you believe) at Harry’s New York Bar, Paris or the Ritz Paris in the 1920s — the golden age of expat glamour and questionable moustaches.The Sidecar is what happens when Parisian elegance meets motorbike bravado — a cocktail that looks down its nose at you while secretly hoping you’ll misbehave.
Ingredients: Cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice. Tone: Crisp, aristocratic, slightly judgemental.
2. The Kir Royale
Actual French pedigree: 9/10 Named after Canon Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon who promoted local crème de cassis by insisting it be mixed with white wine. The champagne version is the posh cousin.The Kir Royale is France in liquid form: a small flourish of blackcurrant, a large flourish of self‑belief.
Ingredients: Champagne + crème de cassis. Tone: Effortlessly celebratory; the drink that says “I’m not working this afternoon.”
The Boulevardier God that sounds French, but Actual French pedigree: 6/10 (but stylishly so) Invented by American expats in Paris in the 1920s — essentially a Negroni that has moved to the Left Bank, bought a scarf, and started writing a novel.And is probably convinced it has a publisher’s advance .
Ingredients: Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Campari. Tone: Brooding, literary, slightly louche.
And so we bid you all a fond adieu and wish you le bon weekend.
#cocktails #france #kir royale #sidecar #travel #holidays
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