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I know we haven’t even gotten to Christmas yet, but this is a cocktail that you can make for any holiday party! Whether it’s brunch, a cocktail party, or dinner gathering, this one is so easy yet so sophisticated!
I recently took this cocktail to a double date dinner with my friends to test it out for the blog. We paired the French Kiss with a delightful fish stew, and it was a hit! The lightness of the bubbles and the sweetness from the champagne complemented the savory, saltiness of the stew perfectly.
If you aren’t making a full-on dinner, note that this cocktail would be an excellent aperitif with hors d’oeuvres, too, if you are trying to snack because we are always trying to snack over here at Whiskey HQ!
This cocktail is a delightful pick-me-up to keep your guest dancing, chatting, and merry until the clock strikes midnight.
I also promised last week that we’d round up a few of my fave cocktail books to gift for the holiday or birthday:
- Shake: A New Perspective on Cocktails for the beginner or cocktail minimalist. There are usually five ingredients or less in each drink, making it easy to whip up a tasty cocktail. You can also purchase the matching mason jar shaker to complete this gift set.
- Meehan’s Bartender Manual is my absolute favorite for the mixology nerd. It mixes history with classic cocktail making and is great for anyone who wants to fortify their drink-making skills.
- Death and Co Welcome Home is a new release that I am still digging into, but essentially this one is for the fangirl (or boy!) of the institution that is the bar Death and Co. It gives you an inside look at the bar and how to bring their methodology home with you.
- Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist is a fun, novel (pun intended) cocktail book that pairs drink recipes with a classic book. This book is for the cross-section of boozy bookworms in your life.
Want more suggestions? Go ahead and throw your scenarios in the comment or even your gifting recommendations. Mulled it over with a French Twist in your hand! ?
The French Kiss: A Champagne Cocktail
The perfect New Year’s Eve champagne cocktail that contains Lillet, a French aperitif made from herbs, wine, and brandy. It’s flavors adds elegance to an effervescent, festive cocktail!
Ingredients
- 1 oz Lillet
- 4 oz Champagne (we used La Marca Prosecco technically)
- 1 orange twist or slice for garnish
Directions
- Pour the Lillet into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Add the champagne and stir.
- Twist the orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
Tips & Tricks:
? If you add an orange slice garnish as pictured, place the slice in the cup and let it adhere to the glass wall before adding the other ingredients.
? Go for a bottle of sweeter champagne this time; the floral, herbal quality of the Lillet goes well with a bit of sugar!
Hot take: I’m not too fond of mimosas. I’d much instead drink a champagne cocktail or unadulterated champagne! What do you think? Want to fight about it in the comments? ?
New Year’s Cheers, babe!
KK
