Bravo au Sport! The Best French Cocktails to Toast the Olympics

French Cocktails to Celebrate the Olympics

Olympic excitement has been at fever pitch as the world’s very best athletes depart Paris after two weeks of incredible sporting achievement, with the excitement of the Paralympics kicking off later in the month. From breakdancing to Simone Biles, we’ve all got the Games on the brain. With France being home to some of the hottest bars on the planet, as well as a rich food and drink culture, what better way to celebrate than with some incredible classic French cocktails?

So, have your ice and shaker at the ready: here are some killer cocktails to bring a little bit of ooh la la to your home bar.

The French 75: A Classic Champagne Cocktail

The French 75 is a quintessentially French cocktail, combining the elegance of Champagne with the punch of gin. Some recipe books even call for cognac instead of gin. Either way, this cocktail packs a surprising punch, making it the perfect choice for a celebratory occasion like the Olympics.

Ingredients:

• 25ml gin
• 15ml fresh lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• Champagne (to top)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
3. Top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

Why It’s Perfect for the Olympics: Nothing says winning like the pop of a cork, which is why Champagne has been the drink of sporting triumph for centuries.

We Recommend: GinRaw Original

Kir Royale: The Elegant Choice

The Kir Royale adds a touch of berry sweetness to sparkling wine, making it a delicious and elegant choice. The scant half ounce of crème de cassis permeates the Champagne, creating a beautifully balanced cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 15ml Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
• Champagne (to top)
• Blackcurrants or lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Pour the Crème de Cassis into a Champagne flute.
2. Top with Champagne.
3. Garnish with blackcurrants or a lemon twist.

We Recommend: Petite Porte Noire Grand Cru Champagne Blanc de Blancs

Sidecar: A Cognac Classic

The Sidecar is a classic French cocktail showcasing the rich flavours of Cognac. Its balance of sweet and sour, with a sugared rim, makes it a standout choice.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Cognac
• 20ml Cointreau (or triple sec)
• 20ml fresh lemon juice
• Sugar (for rimming the glass)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rim a chilled coupe glass with sugar.
2. In a shaker, combine Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

We Recommend: ABK6 Reserve Cognac Artist Collection No.1

The French Martini: A Modern Classic

The French Martini is a modern cocktail with a fruity, slightly sweet flavour. Despite its name, it earns the "French" moniker due to its use of Chambord black raspberry liqueur.

Ingredients:

• 50ml vodka
• 15ml Chambord
• 25ml pineapple juice

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with fresh fruit of your choice.

We Recommend: Kavka Estate Vodka

Le Boulevardier: The French Negroni

Le Boulevardier is often described as the French cousin of the Negroni, swapping gin for Bourbon, which adds a rich, warming depth.

Ingredients:

• 25ml Bourbon
• 25ml sweet vermouth
• 25ml Campari
• Orange twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled and strain into a chilled rocks glass with a large ice cube.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.

We Recommend: Gamondi Vermouth di Torino Rosso

Whether you’re watching at home or hosting a viewing party, we have an incredible selection of champagnes and spirits ready and waiting. Shop DrinksOne for everything you need to go for gold this summer.