Embark on a journey through the diverse world of French drinks with our French spirits glossary. From timeless classics to hidden treasures, follow us as we unveil what’s behind some names you’ve probably seen on cocktail menus without necessarily knowing what they were – until now.
From the historic vineyards of Cognac to the alpine slopes of the French Alps, France's diverse landscapes have given rise to an extraordinary variety of spirits. Whether sipped neat, mixed into cocktails, or enjoyed as part of a traditional aperitif, these French drinks offer a taste of centuries-old craftsmanship and tradition. Dive in with us to uncover everything you need to know about these exceptional spirits!
Absinthe
Long associated with the bohemian culture of late 19th and early 20th century Paris, Absinthe is a highly aromatic and potent anise-flavoured spirit. It is made by distilling neutral alcohol with botanicals, primarily wormwood, anise, and fennel. Absinthe is traditionally enjoyed by diluting it with some water, but you can also explore its versatility in cocktails like the Sazerac or to give a twist to classics such as the French 75.
Anisette
Anisette is a traditional French liqueur with a pronounced liquorice flavour derived from aniseed. Its sweet and aromatic profile makes it a popular choice for sipping neat as a digestif or mixing into classic cocktails like the French Connection. Marie Brizard is one of the most famous anisette brand, and is often listed as such on drinks menus.
Armagnac
Hailing from the Gascony region, Armagnac is France's oldest brandy and is renowned for its rich and complex flavours of dried fruit, caramel, and spice. It is made using white wine from specific grape varieties grown in the area. The wine is then distilled using a traditional continuous distillation method in a column still and then aged in oak barrels.
You can savour Armagnac neat as a digestif or incorporate it into cocktails such as the Armagnac Old Fashioned, using Armagnac instead of whiskey. Armagnac is also used as an ingredient in some terrines and to soak pruneaux d’Agen, creating pruneaux à l’Armagnac – a delightful treat to savor at the end of a meal or to serve alongside foie gras.
Bénédictine
Bénédictine is a herbal liqueur crafted from a blend of 27 plants and spices. It offers a complex and aromatic profile with notes of honey, herbs, and spice. Bénédictine is usually enjoyed neat as a digestif or mixed into cocktails like the B&B (Bénédictine and Brandy) or the Singapore Sling, made with Bénédictine, gin, cherry brandy, bitters, pineapple and lime
Byrrh
Byrrh is a fortified wine-based aperitif infused with botanicals and quinine originating from the Roussillon region (close to the Spanish border). Boasting a bittersweet flavour profile, this classic French aperitif can be served chilled as an aperitif or mixed with tonic water for a refreshing spritz.
Calvados
Calvados is a traditional apple brandy hailing from the Normandy region. It offers a rich and robust apple flavour with hints of oak and spice. French people like to enjoy it neat as a digestif or incorporate it into cocktails like the Cider Sangria or the Jack Rose, mentioned in Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises.
Chartreuse
Crafted by Carthusian monks since the 18th century, Chartreuse is a unique herbal liqueur made from a blend of 130 herbs and spices. Sip it neat to appreciate its complexity or use it to add depth to cocktails like the Last Word, a classic and refreshing cocktail that mixes Green Chartreuse with gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice, or the Yellow Cocktail.
Chambord
Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur produced in the Loire Valley, renowned for its intense fruity flavour and deep purple hue. It can add a touch of elegance to cocktails like the French Martini or the Chambord Royale.
Cognac
Cognac is a prestigious grape brandy produced in the Cognac region (in Southwest France, north of Bordeaux), offering rich flavours of dried fruit, oak, and spice. Aged in oak barrels, it develops complex layers of aroma and a smooth, lingering finish. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed neat in a snifter glass, where its depth can be fully appreciated, or as the base for classic cocktails like the Cognac Sour or the Boulevardier.
Cointreau
Cointreau is a triple sec orange liqueur prized for its citrus flavour and versatility in cocktails. Made from a blend of sweet and bitter orange peels, it offers a balanced and intense orange taste with a hint of spice. It is used in classic cocktails like the Margarita (with tequila and lime juice) or the Cosmopolitan (with vodka, cranberry juice, and lime). Cointreau also works perfectly for for Champagne-based cocktails such as the Soupe Champenoise, adding a zesty, aromatic twist to bubbly drinks.
Crème de Cassis
Crème de Cassis is a sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants, offering a rich and fruity flavour profile with a touch of tartness. It is a quintessential ingredient in classic French cocktails like the Kir and Kir Royale, where its vibrant colour and intense fruitiness shine. Enjoy it as a dessert topping or use it to add a burst of flavour to cocktails such as the Burgundy Spritz or our unexpected Champagne Beet cocktail.
Dubonnet
Dubonnet is a fortified wine infused with herbs and spices that offers a bittersweet flavour profile with hints of quinine and orange peel. Enjoy Dubonnet over ice as an aperitif or mix it into cocktails like the Boulevardier. Did you know that Dubonnet was Queen Elizabeth II's favourite drink? The Queen loved to sip a Dubonnet and gin cocktail before lunch, making it a timeless choice for discerning palates.
Eau de Vie
Eau de Vie (meaning 'water of life' in French) is a clear, colourless fruit brandy produced by distilling fermented fruit. It comes in a wide variety of flavours and it is usually enjoyed neat, as a digestif.
French Brandy
Distilled from grapes and aged in oak barrels, French Brandy boasts rich flavours of dried fruit, caramel, and spice. Cognac is a specific type of French brandy with a protected geographical indication, meaning it is produced exclusively in the Cognac region of France. French Brandy can be savoured neat or incorporated into classic cocktails like the Brandy Old Fashioned (with bitters, sugar, an orange slice and the mixer of your choosing) or the Brandy Alexander (blending cream, crème de cacao, and nutmeg).
French Vodka
Renowned for its purity and smoothness, French Vodka is crafted from French wheat or grapes and distilled multiple times. Brands like Grey Goose and Ciroc exemplify this commitment to quality and refinement. It boasts a refined flavour perfect for cocktails such as French Martini or Blush Berry.
Génépi
Génépi is a herbal liqueur made from the alpine herb Génépi, prized for its floral and herbaceous flavours. It is traditionally enjoyed neat as a digestif in the Alpine regions of France, where it holds cultural significance.
Grand Marnier
Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur crafted from a blend of Cognac, distilled essence of bitter orange and sugar. French people usually drink it neat as a digestif or use it to elevate cocktails. It is also used in the preparation of flambé dishes, for instance to prepare the famous Crêpes Suzettes.
Guignolet
Guignolet is a traditional cherry liqueur made from macerating cherries in brandy or eau de vie, offering a rich and fruity flavour profile. It is traditionally served neat as an apéritif or a digestif.
Kirsch
Kirsch is a clear fruit brandy distilled from cherries, offering a bold and fruity flavour with hints of almond. It is generally served neat as a digestif, but you can also use it to add depth to cocktails. Kirsch is also an important ingredient in the traditional Cheese Fondue Savoyarde. Some French chocolatiers also use it in the filling of chocolates.
Lillet
Lillet is a French wine-based apéritif made from a blend of Bordeaux wines and macerated citrus liqueurs, boasting a sophisticated and aromatic profile. There are three types of Lillet: Lillet Rouge (with a rich, fruity flavor), Lillet Blanc (offering crisp citrus notes), and Lillet Rosé (providing a delicate, floral taste). Enjoy Lillet chilled on its own with a slice of orange or a lemon peel, or use it to make classic cocktails like the Dorchester or the famous Vesper Martini (made with Lillet Blanc, gin and vodka), popularised by Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale in which James Bond 007 invents the recipe and names the cocktail after double agent Vesper Lynd .
Mirabelle Brandy
Mirabelle Brandy (also known as eau-de-vie de mirabelle) is a traditional fruit brandy traditionally made in the Lorraine region from mirabelle plums. It is renowned for its delicate flavour and floral aroma. French people traditionally enjoy it neat as a digestif.
Noilly Prat
Noilly Prat is a premium French vermouth crafted in the South of France. It offers a complex and aromatic profile with notes of herbs, spices, and citrus. It works perfectly to enhance classic cocktails like the Martini or the Manhattan with his dry and herbaceous style.
Pastis
Pastis is a traditional anise-flavoured spirit hailing from the Provence region. It is made by macerating various botanicals including anise seeds and licorice root in neutral alcohol, then diluting it with water. It has a refreshing and aromatic profile with notes of liquorice and herbs. Ricard and Pernod are well-known brand of Pastis.
Originally made in Marseille, Pastis is very popular all across France. It is traditionally enjoyed diluted with water as an aperitif, sometimes with grenadine, almond- flavoured orgeat or mint syrup for summery twists. Recently, it has gained popularity in cocktails, such as our French Pastis & Strawberries summer drink.
Pineau des Charentes
Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine made from a blend of grape must (freshly pressed grape juice) with Cognac aged in oak barrels for twelve to eighteen months. It boasts a sweet and fruity flavour profile with hints of oak and spice. According to legend, Pineau des Charentes was created in the 16th century by a winemaker who accidentally mixed grape juice with brandy. Disheartened, he set the barrel aside, only to discover years later that the blend had developed into something unexpectedly delightful.
Pineeau des Charentes comes in red, white and rosé varieties. It is traditionally enjoyed chilled as an aperitif but can also be used it to create cocktails such as the Pineau Spritz, by replacing Aperol by Pineau des Charentes.
Picon
Picon is a bittersweet orange-flavoured liqueur crafted through the maceration and distillation of bitter oranges and botanicals. It can be considered a French version of amaro spirit although it is usually not consumed on its own. With its distinctive citrus and herbal notes, Picon is indeed most often added to beer to create a popular French aperitif known as a "Picon bière" – a refreshing drink with a unique twist. It can also be used to add depth to cocktails like the Trocadéro.
Pommeau
Pommeau is a traditional French aperitif made from a blend of apple juice and Calvados apple brandy aged for at least twelve months. It is known for its sweet and fruity flavour profile with hints of caramel and spice. Perfect for those who appreciate fine, fruit-forward spirits, this classic drink can be enjoyed chilled on its own or used it to add depth to cocktails. It pairs perfectly with cheeses from the Normandy region, such as Camembert or Pont l’Évêque.
Rhum de la Martinique
Offering a unique and complex flavour profile, Rhum Agricole de Martinique (or Martinique Rum) is distilled from sugarcane juice or molasses in the French Caribbean island of Martinique. This method gives it a distinctive grassy and earthy character. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or use it to add depth to classic cocktails like the Ti' Punch (rum, lime, cane syrup, stirred), the Mojito or the Rumpopopom.
St-Germain
St-Germain is a floral and aromatic elderflower liqueur made by macerating fresh elderflower blossoms in a neutral spirit. Very popular with mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts, it can add a delicate sweetness and depth of flavour to cocktails. St-Germain is a great addition to elevate classic cocktails by making an Elderflower Martini or a St-Germain Spritz.
Suze
Known for its bitter and herbal flavour profile, Suze is a classic French aperitif crafted from the roots of the gentian plant. With its vibrant yellow hue and distinctive taste, Suze is often enjoyed neat or diluted with water over ice or mixed with tonic water for a refreshing Suze & Tonic. Its unique bitterness adds depth to cocktails like the Suze Spritz or the White Negroni.
Whisky de Bretagne
Who would have thought that the French also produced some high-quality whisky? Whisky de Bretagne is a French whiskey produced in the Brittany region, characterized by its maritime influence and bold flavour profile. Made from locally grown barley and aged in oak casks, it boasts notes of sea salt, peat smoke, and brine, reminiscent of the rugged coastal landscape.
Did you know French spirits can also enhance your cooking? From adding depth to sauces to enhancing desserts, these versatile spirits can elevate your culinary creations. Let us show you how to use spirits in your cooking and unlock the full potential of French spirits in your kitchen!
