Cocktails of the Revolution – Celebrate Bastille Day!
Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale) is a national day of celebration in France that commemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison by the people of Paris, an event that is generally cited as the start of the French Revolution. It's an occasion full of history and ceremony, a party that's traditionally marked by parades, fireworks, festivals, and feasting. So to mark the occasion today, I've developed a trio of cocktail recipes that will lend a suitably Parisian flair to any party or soirée you happen to take part in!
Grand Boulevardier
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I've worked up a definitively French twist on the classic formula of the Negroni that blends dry and sweet Vermouths, and uses Cognac as the base spirit (in place of the traditional Gin, or the Bourbon/Rye that figures in the standard "Boulevardier" variation).
60 ml/2 oz Cognac, such as Paul Giraud VSOP, gold medal winner in the 2013 NY International Spirits Competition
30 ml/1 oz Sweet (Italian) Vermouth
15 ml/.5 oz Dry (French) Vermouth
44 ml/1.5 oz Cynar (although Campari is traditional in Negroni-style cocktails, I prefer Cynar's rich + earthy artichoke character in this recipe)
Combine all liquid ingredients over ice in a mixing glass. Swirl vigorously until the glass frosts over, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
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La Fédération
80 ml/2.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka
7/4ml/.25 oz Grand Marnier /Cointreau
104 ml/3.5 oz Ginger Ale
Champagne or other French sparkling wine, such as Crémant de Bourgogne
Combine vodka and orange liqueur in a mixing glass, over ice. Stir well. Add ginger ale, swirl, and strain into cocktail glass. Top with sparkling wine, garnish with a mint leaf.
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Les Champs-Elysées (Elysian Fields)
2 1/2 oz. French Gin, such as Citadelle
1/4 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1/4 oz. Grand Marnier / Cointreau
Lemonade
Combine Gin and other spirits in a highball glass, over ice. Fill to top with lemonade. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Trois beverages to monkey around with, while celebrating, shooting off fireworks, and singing La Marseillaise. From all of us here at Alcohol Professor, we wish you the happiest of revolutionary holidays. Santé and Vive La France!