33 Classic French Cocktails & Drinks to Make at Home
France is the country of love and elegance! French wines are known throughout the world, but sometimes you want to have a little more fun! So if you’re looking for the perfect alcoholic beverage for a special occasion, look no further. These French drinks will knock your socks off.
So what exactly makes a cocktail French? Most of them are built on French spirits and liqueurs, think Champagne, Cognac, crème de cassis, Chambord and St Germain, or they were simply born in a Paris bar. The French are also devoted to the aperitif, that little drink before dinner that wakes up your appetite, from a ruby Kir to a cloudy glass of Pastis.
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This is the biggest gathering of French drinks you will find anywhere. More than thirty of them, from the classic French 75 to bubbly Kir Royales, with easy recipes for the ones you will pour again and again.
From classic aperitifs to modern takes on traditional cocktails, I will take you on an adventure through the history and exciting flavor profiles of a plethora of amazing French drinks that are sure to have you falling madly in love.
So grab your favorite champagne flute or goblet (really, any glass will do), and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
French 75 – 95
French 75
This simple yet delicious combination of gin and champagne makes it one of the classiest and most popular premium drinks that bartenders around the world make.
It was born at Harry's New York Bar in Paris back in 1915 and named after the punchy French 75mm field gun of World War I, because one sip and you feel the kick! This is the drink I always order first when I am back in Paris. Those bubbles just say celebration to me.
Easy French 75 recipe: Shake 1½ oz gin, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup with ice, then strain into a Champagne flute and top with about 3 oz chilled Champagne. Finish with a twist of lemon.
Learn more about the history of the French 75 drink in my article dedicated to this popular French drink.
Read on to learn how easy (and delicious!) it is to make this legendary cocktail in your very own home. I'm sharing French 75 cocktail recipes and more… 75 cocktails… 77… 95…
French 75
The ingredients for a French 75 are simple: London dry gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, Brut champagne, and a lemon peel twist for garnish! It’s the perfect spirited drink for special occasions like New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day.
Rose Syrup 75
This French cocktail recipe, the Rose Syrup French 75, uses Empress gin. This botanical gin is made by Victoria Distillers in British Columbia, Canada. Its lovely color comes from butterfly pea flowers.
St Germain 75
Whip up some French 75 with St Germain! All you need is 1 lemon, 1 1/2 ounces gin (like Hendricks), 1/2 ounce St. Germain (or other elderflower liqueur), 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice, Dry sparkling wine (like Prosecco, Champagne), Cava, and 1 cup ice cubes.
Pomegranate 75
The Pomegranate French 75 uses pomegranate juice; the author recommends POM because it’s accessible and tasty. You will also need champagne, but you can choose whichever brand you’d like. Other key ingredients include lemon juice and simple syrup.
Elderberry Thyme 75
This Elderberry Thyme 75 is a traditional French cocktail containing gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, thyme, and champagne. Make your own thyme-flavored simple syrup for extra freshness.
Elderflower 77
What goes in a French 77 or Elderflower 77? This cocktail is a mix of elderflower liqueur and St. Germain. That’s all you need, which results in a floral, sweet, and simple alcoholic drink.
French 95
What makes this French cocktail recipe different? The 95 uses bourbon or whiskey alongside champagne, making it stronger. For best results, use premium liquor. Don’t forget the lemon juice and simple syrup.
Recipes For Mimosas
The Mimosa is the easiest French-style bubbly there is, and a brunch classic. To make one, fill a flute halfway with chilled Champagne or another dry sparkling wine, then top with an equal pour of fresh orange juice. That is it! From there, the delicious variations below are all about swapping in fun new juices.
Frozen Grand Mimosas
What is a grand mimosa? It’s a twist on the classic combination of champagne or sparkling wine and orange juice with the addition of Grand Marnier. Grand Marnier is a tasty orange liqueur that adds a deep flavor you will love.
Holiday Mimosas
If you’re looking for a holiday mimosa, this recipe is just the one for you. All you need are 5 ingredients and 3 minutes. Serve them up for Christmas breakfast or holiday brunch!
Cranberry Mimosas
Cranberry mimosas are festive with the addition of cranberry juice. They taste amazing with a Thanksgiving Turkey or Christmas ham! With just 3 simple ingredients and 60 seconds of time, you’re ready to celebrate.
Pomegranate Mimosas
This pomegranate mimosa is the best French cocktail recipe! You can use champagne, Prosecco, or even Cava. All you need is one of these sparkling wine options for the best results. Another key ingredient is pomegranate juice, so pick your favorite brand.
Apple Cider Mimosas
Can you use apple juice instead of apple cider for these mimosas? Yes, it's a fine substitute if you prefer a sweeter taste. As for the champagne, choose your favorite brand, or replace it with prosecco or sparkling wine!
Classic French Cocktails
French Gimlet
What Is A French Gimlet? This fun drink is a twist on the traditional Gin Gimlet. You use St. Germain – a French elderflower liqueur – with gin, lime juice, and a sweetener of your choice. You can change up any aspect of this recipe to fit what you love.
Lime Gimlet
This twist on the traditional Gin Gimlet, this cocktail adds Elderflower liqueur. It’s perfect for anyone who prefers a sweeter floral taste. You will need gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh limes for garnish.
French Martini
Do not let the name fool you; the French Martini was actually dreamed up in 1980s New York. It earns its French title from Chambord, the gorgeous raspberry liqueur made in the Loire Valley, and it is fruity, frothy, and a beautiful blush pink.
Easy French Martini recipe: Shake 1½ oz vodka, ½ oz Chambord, and 1½ oz pineapple juice hard with ice for a good twenty seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass. That vigorous shake is what gives it the pretty foam on top.
When you make this marvelous French cocktail recipe, you will need pineapple juice. Use freshly made juice if you can; otherwise, use quality premade 100% pineapple juice, such as Dole. Other key ingredients include Chambord Liqueur and an infusion of raspberries, blackberries, Madagascar vanilla, and Cognac!
French Connection
Named after the 1971 Gene Hackman film, this one could not be simpler or more elegant.
Easy French Connection recipe: Pour 1½ oz Cognac and 1 oz amaretto over ice in a rocks glass and give it a gentle stir. Rich, warming, and lovely after dinner.
The French Connection cocktail is a simple cognac and amaretto drink named after the 1971 Gene Hackman movie of the same name (the connection cocktail that is perfect for a movie trivia night!). The French Connection drink is comprised of 2 parts cognac to 1 part Amaretto. Add ice, and you are done!
Fumo Bianca
This white Negroni cocktail with mezcal is fun and tasty for any occasion, like an anniversary. You only need 3 ingredients, resulting in a sweet, smoky, and bitter drink with a unique herbaceous flavor.
Sidecar
A true French classic, the Sidecar came together around Paris and London in the early 1920s and is often tied to the Ritz Paris. It is bright, elegant, and just a little tart.
Easy Sidecar recipe: Shake 2 oz Cognac, ¾ oz orange liqueur such as Cointreau, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice with ice, then strain into a coupe. A sugar rim is optional but very pretty.
Boulevardier
Think of the Boulevardier as the Negroni's Parisian cousin. It was mixed up at Harry's New York Bar in Paris in the 1920s, and the name means a man about town.
Easy Boulevardier recipe: Stir 1½ oz bourbon or rye, 1 oz Campari and 1 oz sweet vermouth with ice, then strain into a chilled glass and add an orange twist.
Kir
Before the Kir Royale there was simply the Kir, the classic French aperitif named after Félix Kir, the much-loved mayor of Dijon.
Easy Kir recipe: Pour about ½ oz crème de cassis into a wine glass and top with chilled dry white wine, traditionally a Burgundy aligoté. Ruby, refreshing and the perfect way to start a French dinner.
Suze and Tonic
If you love a bitter aperitif, meet Suze, a golden French spirit made from gentian root.
Easy Suze and Tonic recipe: Pour about 1½ oz Suze over plenty of ice, top with tonic water and add a slice of lemon. Bittersweet, herbal and wonderfully French.
Pastis
No trip to the South of France is complete without a Pastis, the aniseed aperitif that turns cloudy the moment you add water.
Easy Pastis recipe: Pour 1 measure of Pastis into a tall glass, add ice and top with about five measures of cold water, then watch it go milky. For a sweeter version called a Mauresque, add a splash of almond orgeat syrup before the water.
Champagne Cocktails
French Kiss
The French Kiss is simple, bubbly, fancy, and amazing for special occasions. Grab 1 bottle of Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine, 2-4 ounces of Raspberry Chambord, and fresh raspberries for a pretty garnish.
Chambord Kir Royale
Chambord is a really tasty raspberry liqueur; that’s why it’s used in this version of a Kir Royale. You also need some kind of bubbly like Prosecco. Don’t forget an orange peel to really make everything pop.
Kirsch Rose Cocktails
Kirsch Rock alcoholic drinks are lovely and pink! Just what you need for an anniversary or Valentine’s Day! You will need Kirsch, Vermouth, and Grenadine. This spirit features sweet, floral, citrus, and cherry flavors.
Kir Royale
The Kir Royale is the celebratory version of the Kir, and it could not be easier or more elegant. This is my go-to when I want to feel a little fancy without any fuss.
Easy Kir Royale recipe: Pour about ½ oz crème de cassis into a Champagne flute and top slowly with chilled Champagne. The blackcurrant liqueur sinks to the bottom, then blushes up through the bubbles. Simply gorgeous for a toast.
The traditional Kir Royale combines champagne and crème de cassis. If you don’t know, creme de cassis is a sweet French liqueur made from blackcurrants. It’s a favorite in the country of France.
Orange Pomegranate
Orange pomegranate cocktails with champagne are simple to make and fun to drink! It’s bubbly, pink, orange, pomegranate, and sparkling with the perfect balance of sweet to tart. Serve these up for Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or for Sunday brunch.
Lime Champagne
Try this French cocktail recipe with lime and champagne! It tastes great with some fresh muddled fruit as well. You will also use a drizzle of honey and some mint. Everyone will love the happy bubbly feeling it brings.
Champagne Cocktail
What’s the best champagne to use for this simple cocktail? The top 3 champagnes recommended by the author include Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, Taittinger Brut Reserve, and Dom Pérignon.
Pink Champagne Shots
These pink champagne shots have a French theme with a slight American vibe! You get the classic taste of champagne and sparkling wine with the fun addition of the Jell-O shot. You can also make them ahead of time for a party.
Champagne Jello Shots
Traditional champagne Jell-O shots combine champagne, gelatine packets, and simple syrup! No hard liquor is used, so you and your guests can enjoy more without overdoing it. Don’t forget the gold sanding sugar for that extra sparkle.
Elderberry Champagne
Elderberry champagne is fantastically French! They are also incredibly classy, quick, and easy to assemble. No shaking or stirring is required because you can pour them straight into a champagne glass.
Death in the Afternoon
This dramatic Champagne cocktail was created by none other than Ernest Hemingway, who spent plenty of time in Paris.
Easy Death in the Afternoon recipe: Pour about 1 oz absinthe into a Champagne flute, then top slowly with chilled Champagne until it turns cloudy and pale. Hemingway suggested drinking these slowly, though I would pace yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions About French Cocktails
What is a French cocktail?
A French cocktail is a mixed drink built on French spirits or liqueurs, such as Champagne, Cognac, crème de cassis, Chambord, or St Germain, or one invented in France. Famous examples include the French 75, the Kir Royale and the Sidecar.
What is the most famous French cocktail?
The French 75 is probably the most famous of them all, a bubbly mix of gin, lemon, sugar and Champagne created in Paris in 1915. The Kir Royale and the Sidecar are close behind.
What alcohol do the French like to drink?
Beyond their famous wines, the French love an aperitif before dinner. Popular choices include Kir, Pastis in the south, Suze, Lillet and Champagne, usually sipped slowly with a few snacks.
What is in a French 75?
A classic French 75 is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne, shaken and then topped with the bubbles. Some older versions use Cognac instead of gin.
What Champagne is best for cocktails?
For cocktails, a dry brut Champagne or a good dry sparkling wine like Crémant or Cava works beautifully. Save your finest vintage Champagne for sipping on its own, and use an affordable brut for mixing.
What is the difference between a Kir and a Kir Royale?
A Kir is made with crème de cassis and still white wine, usually a dry Burgundy. A Kir Royale swaps the white wine for Champagne, making it more festive and bubbly.
Oh la la! Your friends and loved ones will feel so elegant at your next gathering. These French cocktails are some of the best alcoholic drinks to serve at a party.
The best part is that you do not need to fly to Paris to enjoy them. With a bottle of bubbly and a few French liqueurs on your shelf, you can bring a little of France into your own kitchen tonight.
How about you? Have you made any of these French alcoholic drinks? What's your favorite? Do tell! Do you have an additional French drink to add? Do share!
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So many that I would love to try. They all sound amazing!
Yum, all of these sound tasty! I will have to try some of these cocktails out.
That French 75 is calling my name. These all looks delicious.
A French drink sounds so fancy. These drink sound amazing and I will have to make some of them this weekend.
The rose syrup and elderberry thyme sound amazing! All of these drinks sound like lovely choices.
I’ll have to share these with my sister. I don’t personally drink due to medications I’m on. But I wouldn’t pass up a non alcoholic version of any of these drinks.
These all sound and look lovely! I don’t drink much anymore, but I would love the Kir Royale!
These are all really lovely and delicious looking drinks that I must try!
Oh my goodness, literally all of these sound delicious haha! 🙂
You’ve listed loads of great options there. I think I’d probably be up for trying most of them. Although not too many in one go as I don’t drink often.
wow! There are so many cocktails that I would like to try! They all look fancy!
Wow! These are amazing drinks we can try! They all look so delicious and very tasty! Love to try them all!
I’d take a mimosa anytime. These French cocktails all look so good. I need to venture our of my mimosa zone and try a few of these. The Rose Syrup 75 looks really delicious.