Cocktails in Paris: Fashionable Drinks for All Seasons, written by Audrey Laroux, features an exciting collection of 50 drink recipes inspired by the city along with beautiful illustrations. A few highlights include the Apple Blossom, Chambord Bramble, Fallen Leaves, French Cosmopolitan, and Champagne Cocktail. I will also be sharing her recipe for a French Martini following the review.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Smith Street Books in exchange for my honest review. All comments and opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Consume alcoholic beverages at your own risk and liability. This recipe is intended only for those over the age of 21 (in the United States). Please drink responsibly.
Audrey Laroux
Audrey Laroux is a French American mixologist and author.
Cocktails in Paris
Audrey begins Cocktails in Paris with a short introduction and a few tips to get started. I especially appreciate the notes on specific glassware, garnishes, and French ingredients.
Chapters are divided according to season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. There is also a section dedicated to homemade syrups as a way to build flavors.
The stunning illustrations are provided by Kelly Smith, a fashion and beauty illustrator. In lieu of photographs, every cocktail is paired with a full-page drawing of a stylish woman (and occasionally dog) with the finished drink.
Measurements are listed in milliliters and ounces. Each recipe has a short headnote with background information and serving size. Most of the recipes are for a single serving, but there are a few for two servings or more such as the Marquisette and Ruby Grapefruit Mimosa.
French Martini
The French Martini is the first recipe in the Summer chapter. With only three ingredients (plus the raspberry garnish), this easy and fruity drink comes together in minutes.
Simply add vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well until the mixture becomes frothy, then strain into a cocktail glass.
Serve the French Martini immediately after assembling with skewered fresh raspberries for garnish.
Notable Ingredients
Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur with a blend of blackcurrants, raspberries, blackberries, XO Cognac, vanilla, honey, citrus, and other aromatic spices.
For those in Northern Virginia, I was able to find Chambord at the Virginia ABC store in Centreville.
More Cocktails
I also made the French Gimlet, St Germain 75, Mimosa Margarita, and French Connection.
The French Gimlet comes from the Spring chapter. This refreshing drink has a blend of gin, St-Germain, and lemon juice served in a cocktail glass.
The St Germain 75 is a floral variation of the French 75 (recipe also in book, along with a Blueberry French 75). Gin, lemon juice, and St-Germain are shaken together and poured into a champagne flute. The drink is topped off with chilled champagne.
The Mimosa Margarita brings together the flavors of a margarita and a mimosa for a fun brunch option. Tequila, orange juice, lime juice, and a simple syrup are shaken together and poured into a salt-rimmed glass. This drink is also topped off with chilled champagne and garnished with citrus wheels.
The French Connection from the Autumn chapter was a favorite for Chad. Simply stir together cognac and amaretto, then strain over ice into a small tumbler. To finish, garnish with orange or lemon zest.
Cocktails in Paris is a great pick for those interested in seasonal drinks inspired by the city. The pages are filled with familiar favorites alongside some lesser known options. Generally, the cocktails come together with a handful of ingredients and less than ten minutes.
The drinks are perfect for brunch, celebrations, or simply a relaxing evening at home. Most of the ingredients are readily available in larger American grocery stores and specialty liquor stores.
French Martini Recipe
Excerpt from Cocktails in Paris
French Martini
Ingredients
- 40 milliliters (1 1/4 fluid ounces) vodka
- 20 milliliters (3/4 fluid ounces) Chambord
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) pineapple juice
- Skewered raspberry to garnish
Instructions
- Add the vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until the pineapple juice becomes frothy and strain into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with the raspberry.
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