French Cocktail Favorites

As the weather finally heats up and your thoughts turn to summer entertaining, we decided to kick off your seasonal celebrations with some of our favorite French cocktails. With main ingredients ranging from wine to cognac, these cocktails ensure that there's something for every taste and preference.

FRENCH 75

The French 75, a gin-based drink, was created in Paris prior to World War II and has been a favorite of French soldiers for decades. With the "power of a 75mm field gun", the drink combines 1 oz. Gin, 1 oz. Cointreau, a dash of fresh lime juice and a sugar cube, all topped with Champagne.

KIR ROYALE/IMPERIAL

Commonly enjoyed as an apertif, the Kir is a very popular French cocktail that consists of 9 parts dry White Wine or Champagne to one part Crème de Cassis.

THE ROSE

Make these for your next Great Gatsby celebration, as The Rose cocktail has been a Parisian favorite since the 1920's. Simply shake 2 oz. French Vermouth with 1 oz. Kirshwasser (cherry brandy) and 1 teaspoon Raspberry Syrup. 

SIDECAR

This French favorite is so fabulous, numerous Paris bars claim to be to the original concoctor. No matter its true origins, stick to the basics by combining 3/4 oz. Cognac with 3/4 oz. Couintreau and a dash of Lemon Juice. Served in a sugar-rimmed glass, this tasty treat is sheer perfection. 

Try your hand at some mixology this weekend, raise your glass to the French with the toast of, "À votre santé," and enjoy!