We wrote the following post on Paris before the horrible attacks last week. Paris is one of our favorite cities in the world, and we have no doubt it will bounce back stronger than ever. We express our deepest condolences to all those impacted by the tragedy.
This French Old Fashioned puts an elegant twist on a classic cocktail. It is simple to make but looks sophisticated, making it perfect for your next party!
There is perhaps no better city in the world for getting a drink than Paris. The image of Parisians drinking the afternoon away at a café (after putting in a solid 4.5 hour work day) is ubiquitous. While the drink most associated with Paris is wine, it is also an excellent city for cocktails. The book “Paris Cocktails” by Doni Belau, creator of the popular site Girls Guide to Paris, is a great reference for learning about the Paris cocktail scene – it features everything from recipes for traditional and exotic French drinks to recommendations for the best spot to grab a drink in each arrondissement, and even has great ideas for Francophile bars here in the US. Feeling inspired by all of these Parisian cocktails, I made a whiskey-based French Old Fashioned. It puts a fun French twist on an American classic.
It is no secret that I love Old Fashioneds. In addition to being a perfectly well balanced drink that highlights one of my favorite spirits, they’re easy enough for any amateur bartender to make. Whiskey, sugar, bitters, ice, and bam – you’ve classed up your entire evening! This French-inspired Old Fashioned subs out American Bourbon for French Whiskey. It shifts the flavor profile a bit (less oaky, more peat-y), but it’s definitely still an Old Fashioned. You also can play around with the bitters (I used angostura) and garnish (I used a wedge of clementine orange). The other main difference in the French Old Fashioned is the addition of club soda, which adds a nice light effervesce to the drink.
If you have a trip to Paris planned soon, pick up a copy of this book (and also, check out some of my Paris recs!). And even if you are just dreaming of a trip to this magical city, or if you are simply a cocktail lover, you will love flipping through the pages of Paris Cocktials.
This French Old Fashioned puts an elegant twist on a classic cocktail. It is simple to make but looks sophisticated, making it perfect for your next party!
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey (such as Bastille Whiskey)
- 4 dashes bitters
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or 2 sugar cubes)
- 1 splash club soda
- 1 orange wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- Add sugar or sugar cubes to the bottom of a rocks glass. Add whiskey on top, and allow to dissolve, stirring if necessary. Add bitters and ice, and stir. Top with club soda and garnish with orange wedge.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Paris Cocktails
If you want to read more about Paris, here are some of my posts!
Paris Part 1
Paris Part 2
Septime – a review of one of my favorite restaurants in the world
Le Meurice – a beautiful hotel, and the perfect spot to grab lunch or a cocktail
More cocktails for your drinking pleasure!
Grapefruit Tequila Cocktail with Chocolate Bitters
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Note: I was not compensated for the post, but did receive a copy of the book and a bottle of Bastille Whiskey. As always, all opinions are my own.
Looking forward to having one of these over Thanksgiving weekend with my son.