Day 3151 (Friday) 23rd January 2026

This is Menton

and this is Ventimiglia in Italy.

It was grey, cold and horrible again today – I’m tired of this crappy weather – I want our sun back.

I found this interesting article on French drinks, it’s quite long so I’ll post it over two days.

30 French Spirits You Should Know About

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. 

© Kondor83

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 savour 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. You can also incorporate it into your cooking, like in our delightful Chocolate Mousse with Green Chartreuse recipe.

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.