French Blonde Cocktail

This citrusy cocktail is made with fresh grapefruit juice, gin, elderflower liqueur, and Lillet Blanc. Add a touch of class to any evening and this French Blonde Cocktail might be your next favorite drink!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, a certain famous singer recently released her album, TTPD. Swifties all around the country ‘are trying to ‘uncovering the easter eggs’ and decipher her lyrics. Meanwhile, anything that Taylor touches does turn to gold. Rumor has it that this French Blonde Cocktail is her favorite, so I figured I needed to give it a go! Does that make me a Swiftie now?!

I perused through my cookbooks/cocktail books and wasn’t able to find the French Blonde recipe. However, searching the internet it does appear that this drink does indeed hail from France, Parlez Vous Francais? The drink has been around approximately since the 1920s and if you love a French 75 and/or a citrus and gin drink like a Tom Collins, this too might be your next favorite cocktail. I’ll definitely need to use the Lillet Blanc for a spritz version like my Aperol and Hugo!

Ingredients: French Blonde Cocktail

Here’s what you need to make a fantastic French Blonde cocktail and what you don’t (in my opinion). I’ve tried it with various proportions (you’re welcome), and this is my favorite ratio of this delicious citrusy cocktail!

• Gin: Not too much of a gin connoisseur, however, this Bombay Sapphire is the gin I have in my bar collection. What I’ve noticed is that with some brands they are more ‘dry’ and this can lead to a bit of a harsh flavor. Pick your favorite gin.
• Fresh Grapefruit Juice: If you can use fresh, it is the best! Most times you can yield enough juice from one large grapefruit for at least two cocktails. While grapefruit is in season in the winter, if you were to use a ruby red grapefruit your drink is now a French Redhead Cocktail Variation since the color will turn pink! SO fun!
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Most French Blonde recipes call for ‘lemon bitters’, however, if I’m being honest, fresh lemon juice tasted WAY better. Unfortunately the bitters tend to dominate the flavor and don’t allow the citrusy flavors to shine through. Additionally, you’ll need a twist of fresh lemon peel that also lends a ton of lemon flavor. Aim to twist the peel over the cocktail, which in turn will release the citrus oil directly into your drink! You can even run it along the rim of the glass for extra lemon flavors!
• Elderflower Liquor: St. Germain is the only elderflower liqueur I’ve been able to find. It’s sweet and a little goes a long way. First used in my Hugo Spritz, I’m glad I’ve found another drink recipe I can use this with. & even if I didn’t, the bottle alone makes my ‘bar collection’ that much prettier!
• Lillet Blanc: pronounced lee-LAY, is a French aperitif wine that is fortified with a mix of citrus liqueurs. Lillet Blanc is the original variety and is made with a mix of white Bordeaux grapes. While the flavor is a bit difficult to describe, it has hints of candied oranges, honey, pine resin, unique fruits, and flowers!

Tip: Once opened, you must store Lillet in the refrigerator (same for vermouths, as they are all wines). Lillet will keep for up to one month. A recipe on the Lillet bottle shows a mix with club soda with a squeeze of citrus to make a nice spritz. I’ll definitely be experimenting with other drinks to find at least one more use!

How To Make A French Blonde Cocktail

1. Chill your coupe glass by placing it in the freezer (if you have time and remember!)
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the Lillet, St. Germain, gin, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice. Securely fasten the lid and shake the mixture for about 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is absolutely ice cold.
3. Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. Gently twist the lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, and then lightly rub it over the rim of the glass before dropping it in. Sip and enjoy!

Other Refreshing Drinks

• Tajín Watermelon Margarita
• Strawberry Basil Margarita
• Blood Orange Mocktail
• Pomegranate Mimosas

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