Day 3152 (Saturday) 24th January 2026

This is Menton

and this is the Old Port in Nice.

 

It was grey, cold and horrible again today and we stayed at home – I’m really bored of this weather.

Here we have the rest of the French spirits…

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 flavour), 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 (orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds and sugar with a little rose water and/or orange flower water) or mint syrup for summery twists. Recently, it has gained popularity in cocktails, such as our French Pastis and 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 and 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, characterised 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.