10 French Cocktails to Make for Your Next Summer Soirée
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During the summer months, you can frequently find me in the kitchen testing new drink recipes. Nothing compares to sitting on the balcony on a warm summer evening and enjoying a fresh, homemade cocktail. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with popular French liqueurs like Suze and St. Germain that I’m not very accustomed to drinking. Some cocktails have become instant favorites, while others are sipped slowly and half-finished, but still appreciated.
If you’re ready to transport yourself to a chic Parisian terrace or a cozy Provencal garden, it's time to elevate your cocktails with French flavors. From classic concoctions to modern twists, here are 10 refreshing French cocktails to brighten up your summer soirées. Try one (or more) of these easy French cocktails at your next dinner party, barbecue or even just as an apéro after work.
If you're seeking non-alcoholic French drinks, you can easily replace the spirits and wines in these recipes with alcohol-free alternatives. In France, it’s common to sip on a sirop, a concentrated sweet liquid available in various flavors like mint, grenadine, orgeat (almond), and citrus. Those who prefer non-alcoholic options often mix sirop with still or sparkling water for a flavorful drink suitable for both adults and children. Having a bottle of sirop on hand is a convenient way to indulge in a fun mocktail whether for enjoying solo or entertaining guests.
Read More: 7 French Diet Tips to Eat Like the French and Stay Healthy
10 French Cocktails to Make for Your Next Summer Soirée
1. White Negroni
The White Negroni is a fresher, French-er variation of the classic Negroni cocktail. The British bartender behind the drink kept gin, one of the Negroni’s three main ingredients, but swapped Campari and sweet vermouth with Suze (a bitter gentian liqueur) and Lillet Blanc (a wine-based aperitif). Its lighter and more floral profile make it a must-try cocktail for summer.
Ingredients
1½ oz gin
1½ oz Lillet Blanc
½ oz Suze liqueur
Lemon twist (for garnish)
Method
Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice.
Add the gin, Lillet and Suze and stir to combine.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
2. French 75
The French 75 cocktail is believed to have been named after the French 75mm field gun used by the French during World War I. Contrary to its name, the French 75 is surprisingly approachable, featuring a delightful mix of gin’s botanicals, zesty lemon, and bubbly Champagne. Elegant and refreshing, it's a classic French cocktail that makes the perfect companion for a summer soirée. While you won’t be hard-pressed to find numerous French cocktails with champagne, the simplicity of the French 75 makes it my ultimate favorite.
Ingredients
1 oz gin
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
2 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
Lemon twist (for garnish)
Method
Shake gin, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice with ice.
Strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Colletti Royale
If you're a Margarita enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to try this French-inspired variation, the Colletti Royale. Crafted by bartender Julie Reiner, this bright and bubbly cocktail adds a touch of French flair by infusing St-Germain and Rosé Champagne into the classic Margarita. The tangy notes of blood orange juice harmonize seamlessly with the tequila, while the lively addition of Cointreau and orange bitters enhances its citrusy allure. The Colletti Royale stands out as the perfect choice for those seeking a fusion of French sophistication and Mexican zest in their summer soirée libations.
Ingredients
1½ oz reposado tequila
½ oz Cointreau
½ oz St-Germain
½ oz blood orange juice
½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
2 dashes orange bitters
Rosé Champagne, chilled, to top (approximately 3 ounces)
Blood orange wheel (for garnish)
Method
Add the tequila, Cointreau, St-Germain, blood orange juice, lime juice and bitters into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a wine glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with the rosé Champagne.
Garnish with a blood orange wheel.
4. Watermelon Mimosa
For a refreshing summer sip with a burst of sweetness, the Watermelon Mimosa is a delightful choice. The classic mimosa, born at The Ritz Hotel in Paris in 1925, traditionally features equal parts orange juice and champagne. This fruity twist on the classic mimosa combines the succulent flavor of juicy watermelon with bubbly Champagne. The result is a vibrant and hydrating cocktail that captures summer in every sip. Garnish with a watermelon slice for an extra touch. The Watermelon Mimosa is a delicious option for adding a touch of French flair to your next summer brunch.
Ingredients
⅓ medium watermelon
1 bottle of Champagne, chilled
Watermelon slice (for garnish)
Method
Make watermelon juice: Remove seeds and scoop the pink watermelon flesh into a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Pour watermelon juice through a fine-mesh strainer.
Fill a Champagne flute halfway with Champagne.
Top with watermelon juice.
Garnish with a watermelon slice.
5. Lumière
Developed by Brooklyn’s Nitehawk Cinema, the Lumière was inspired by the Oscar-nominated film Hugo. This citrus-forward cocktail features green chartreuse and floral notes of elderflower with a complex layered flavor profile that is herbal and tart. It’s an enchanting drink to enjoy on warm summer nights.
Ingredients
1½ oz gin
1 oz St. Germain
3⁄4 oz fresh lime juice
3⁄4 oz green Chartreuse
Dash of orange bitters
Lime twist (for garnish)
Method
Combine all ingredients in a large glass filled with ice.
Stir thoroughly and strain the mixture into a coupe.
Garnish with a lime twist.
6. Sweet & Spicy Vodka Cocktail
Celebrate strawberry season with this sweet and spicy cocktail from the renowned Parisian cocktail bar, Le Syndicat. This inventive libation combines the boldness of vodka with a luxurious fusion of red bell pepper and strawberry. The combo might surprise you, but the sweetness of ripe strawberries pairs perfectly with the savory notes of red bell pepper. It’s one of my favorite French cocktails with vodka, an undeniably refreshing summer sip with a kick.
Ingredients
Spicy Strawberry Syrup
100g strawberries
10g red bell pepper
Sugar
5-6 cilantro leaves (or basil, mint, etc.)
Cocktail
50ml vodka
20ml lemon juice
Method
Make spicy strawberry syrup: Dice strawberries and red bell pepper. Sweat red bell pepper in a pan, careful not to burn. Add strawberries, red bell pepper and cilantro into a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Pour syrup through a fine-mesh strainer. Weigh the syrup and add equal parts sugar.
Add the vodka, lemon juice and 40ml of spicy strawberry syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a small strawberry or cilantro leaf.
8. French Martini
For a fruity, tropical twist on a classic martini, try the French Martini at your next summer party. The French martini isn’t exactly French, but it’s made with Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur made in the Loire Valley in France. This classic cocktail marries the richness of vodka with the sweet allure of Chambord and the tartness of pineapple juice. Sip and savor the refinement of this iconic French cocktail.
Ingredients
1½ oz vodka
½ oz Chambord
3⁄4 oz pineapple juice
Lemon twist or pineapple leaf (for garnish)
Method
Add the vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or pineapple leaf.
9. Yellow Cocktail
The Yellow Cocktail from the Parisian cocktail bar Cravan is a radiant creation that blends the vibrancy of yellow Chartreuse with gin, Suze and lemon juice. Thankfully you don’t have to travel all the way to Paris to savor this refreshing sip. Yellow Chartreuse is a key component of the Yellow Cocktail, known for its herbal and slightly sweet profile. It pairs nicely with the botanicals of gin and the citrusy zing of lemon, resulting in a sunny libation that’s perfect for hot summer nights.
Ingredients
⅔ oz London dry gin
⅔ oz Suze
⅔ oz Yellow Chartreuse
⅔ oz lemon juice
Lemon twist (for garnish)
Method
Add the gin, Suze, Yellow Chartreuse and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
10. Basil Lillet Spritz
When it comes to summer cocktails, spritzes are my go-to choice for their simplicity. For a simple herb-infused sip, look no further than the Basil Lillet Spritz. This delightful concoction features Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif stealing the spotlight with its subtle sweetness, citrus hints, and floral notes. Fresh basil leaves add an herbaceous twist and elevate the overall flavor profile. Mixed with sparkling water and garnished with a basil sprig, this spritz is a refreshing and aromatic addition to your summer cocktail lineup.
Ingredients
2 oz Lillet Blanc
3 oz sparkling wine or prosecco
5 oz club soda
4-5 basil leaves
Method
Add the Lillet Blanc and basil leaves into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with prosecco and club soda.
Garnish with a basil leaf.
Read More: Beginner’s Guide to French Wine: Everything You Need to Know
Summer French Bar Essentials
Stock your bar cart for a French summer with these mixology essentials. With these key items at hand, you’ll be able to craft cocktails effortlessly throughout the sunny season. Acquiring all these items at once is not necessary; as you test more cocktail recipes, you’ll naturally curate the perfect French bar cart for you.
1. French Liquor
Gin
Cointreau
St. Germain
Suze
Chartreuse
2. French Wines
Champagne
Lillet Blanc
Rosé
White wine
3. Mixers
Sparkling water
Tonic water
Club soda
Grenadine
Simple syrup
Orange bitters
4. Garnishes
Citrus twists
Granulated sugar
Olives
Edible flowers
5. Tools
Cocktail shaker
Muddler
Ice bucket
Bar spoon
Muddler
Jigger
Citrus juicer
Peeler
Corkscrew
6. Glassware
Coupe gasses
Champagne flutes
Highball glasses
Martini glasses
White wine glasses
Red wine glasses
7. Accessories
Cocktail picks
Cocktail napkins
Mixology books
Decanters
Coasters
Read More: How to Host a French Dinner Party
These French cocktail recipes are perfect for summer. For additional inspiration, consider exploring French cocktail books such as Drinking French, French Moderne: Cocktails from the Twenties and Thirties and Paris Cocktails for even more delicious ideas.
Whether you're hosting a soirée or enjoying a quiet moment on the patio, these easy French cocktails are perfect for the summer season. From timeless favorites like the French 75 and the Lillet Spritz to newer concoctions like the Lumière and the Colletti Royale, these sophisticated sips are sure to bring the charm of France to your next summer soirée. Santé!
Which French cocktail are you making this summer? Let me know in the comments below.
