Day 2661 (Friday) 20th September 2024

This is the aquarium in Monaco – such a beautiful building

and this is Menton.

 

Our perfect blue sky is back – hooray! It was a beautiful, warm sunny day, there was a cruise ship in the bay and there was quite a lot of yacht activity. I had a lovely day pottering and sunbathing.

Here are the last of the French drinks…

69 French Drinks You Should Try: Spirits/Cocktails/Wine/Beer/No-Alcohol

3.2.) French Beer

French beers may not be as globally renowned as their Belgian or German counterparts, but the country has a rich brewing tradition, particularly in regions like Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Alsace. French beers like Bière de Garde and Saison are noted for their distinct flavours and artisanal production methods, reflecting the country’s diverse terroir and brewing heritage. Additionally, the rise of French craft beers has introduced a variety of styles and innovative brews to the market, showcasing the creativity and passion of French brewers.

52. Bière de Garde

Traditional French farmhouse ale.

Bière de Garde, translating to “beer for keeping,” is a traditional French farmhouse ale from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Characterised by its rich maltiness, slight hop bitterness, and cellar-like mustiness, this beer is traditionally brewed in winter and spring to avoid summer’s unpredictable fermentations.

53. Lambic Beers (French-produced)

Wild-fermented French lambics.

While traditionally Belgian, Lambic beers are also produced in regions of France close to Belgium. These unique beers undergo spontaneous fermentation, exposing the wort to wild yeasts and bacteria, resulting in complex, sour, and often fruity flavours.

54. Saison (French-produced)

French version of farmhouse ale.

Saison, originally from Wallonia, Belgium, is also crafted in France, particularly in the northern regions. These French-produced Saisons are known for their peppery, citrusy, and slightly tart characteristics, making them refreshing and highly drinkable.

55. French Craft Beer

Innovative, artisanal French brews.

French craft beers have surged in popularity, showcasing a wide array of styles from IPAs to stouts, often incorporating local ingredients and unique brewing techniques. These artisanal brews reflect the regional diversity and the innovative spirit of France’s contemporary beer scene.

3.3.) Other French Brewed and Fermented Drinks

Beyond beer, France offers a variety of other brewed and fermented beverages like Cidre (cider) and Poiré (perry), which have been produced in regions like Normandy and Brittany for centuries. Hydromel (mead), made from fermented honey and water, is another traditional drink experiencing a revival, demonstrating the breadth of France’s fermented drink culture.

56. Cidre

French apple cider.

French Cidre, particularly from Normandy and Brittany, is renowned for its range from sweet to dry and its effervescent quality. Crafted from various apple varieties, Cidre offers a taste of France’s rich apple-growing heritage with each sip.

57. Poiré

French pear cider.

Poiré is a refreshing fermented pear drink, similar to apple cider but made from pears, primarily produced in Normandy. Its light, fruity, and slightly tangy profile makes it a delightful alternative to traditional ciders.

58. Hydromel

French mead.

Hydromel, or mead in France, is an ancient drink made by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with added fruits, spices, or grains. This beverage ranges from sweet to dry and showcases the nuanced flavours of local French honey varieties.

4.) French Non-Alcoholic Beverages

French non-alcoholic beverages offer a delightful array of flavours, from the iconic French Lemonade to the world-renowned mineral waters like Perrier and Badoit. These drinks are a testament to France’s culinary diversity and innovation, providing refreshing and sophisticated options for all ages and preferences. Additionally, France’s café culture brings hot beverages like Café au Lait and French Hot Chocolate to the forefront, highlighting the country’s love for rich, comforting flavours.

4.1.) Cold French Non-Alcoholic Beverages

4.1.1.) Mineral Water

French natural spring mineral waters, like Perrier and Badoit, are globally acclaimed for their unique mineral content and exceptional purity. Sourced from protected underground reserves, these waters undergo natural filtration, enriching them with health-benefiting minerals. Celebrated for their distinctive taste and effervescence, these mineral waters not only refresh but also reflect France’s rich geological diversity, making them staples in fine dining and everyday hydration alike.

59. Perrier

Iconic French mineral water.

Perrier is a world-famous French brand of natural sparkling mineral water, sourced from the Vergèze spring in Southern France. Its invigorating bubbles and unique mineral composition make it a preferred choice for refreshment and mixology.

60. Badoit

Sparkling mineral water.

Badoit is another esteemed French sparkling mineral water, emanating from Saint-Galmier. Renowned for its fine bubbles and subtle mineral taste, Badoit is often the water of choice in gourmet dining settings.

4.1.2.) Lemonade

61. Orangina

Citrusy French soda.

Orangina is a popular French carbonated soft drink characterised by its unique blend of citrus juice, pulp, and sparkling water, delivering a zesty, refreshing flavour that’s become a staple in French cafes and homes.

62. French Lemonade

Sparkling French soft drink.

French Lemonade, or “Limonade,” is a classic carbonated soft drink, often homemade, offering a crisp, refreshing taste with a perfect balance of sweetness and lemony tartness, embodying the simplicity and elegance of French refreshments.

63. Citron pressé

Freshly squeezed lemonade.

Citron pressé is France’s version of lemonade, made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and sugar to taste. This quintessential summer drink is cherished for its freshness and the ability to adjust sweetness according to personal preference.

64. Diabolo

Syrup-spiked French soda water.

Diabolo is a customisable French soda made by mixing carbonated water with flavoured syrup, typically served over ice. The variety of syrup flavours, from mint to strawberry, offers endless possibilities for refreshing summer drinks.

65. Sirop à l’eau

Water with flavoured syrup.

Sirop à l’eau is a simple, yet beloved French beverage, consisting of water mixed with sweet flavoured syrup. This drink’s versatility and range of flavours make it a favourite among children and adults alike. This versatile concoction allows for a myriad of flavours, from the cooling “Menthe à l’eau” (mint) to the sweetly tart “Grenadine à l’eau” (grenadine), offering endless possibilities for customisation.

4.2.) Hot French Non-Alcoholic Beverages

66. Tisanes

French herbal teas.

Tisanes in France refer to a variety of herbal teas made from herbs, flowers, or leaves, such as verbena and linden, offering a soothing, caffeine-free alternative with a range of health benefits.

67. Café (Espresso)

Strong French coffee shot.

Café, or Espresso in France, is a strong, concentrated coffee served in small cups, embodying the essence of French sophistication and the nation’s deep-rooted café culture.

68. Café au Lait

French coffee with milk.

Café au Lait, a staple in French breakfast culture, is a comforting beverage made with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk, known for its smooth, creamy taste that pairs perfectly with a croissant.

69. French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud)

Rich, creamy hot chocolate.

French Hot Chocolate, or Chocolat Chaud, is a luxuriously rich drink made with high-quality chocolate and milk or cream, often enjoyed in French cafes for its velvety texture and deep chocolate flavour.