It’s no secret that the rest of the world considers the French to be the epitome of sophistication when it comes to alcoholic beverages; whether it’s wine, beer, cider, apéritifs, liqueurs, or spirits, French booze generally beats everything else into a cocked beret. I say beats… more like, gently coaxes.
It should come as no great surprise therefore, that at Christmastime, festive drinks are just as sophisticated as their year-round counterparts. Here then, are three of the best Frenchmas quaffs to get your festivities swinging this year. Enjoy!
Kir Royale – serves 1
1 oz créme de cassis
3 ozs chilled champagne
Add the Kir to a tall glass, and top up with Champagne.
Vin Chaud – serves 8
1 bottle red wine (or red grape juice for a non-alcoholic version)
4 cinnamon sticks
4 cardamom pods
4 black peppercorns
4 cloves
1 star anise
2 tablespoons honey
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced
1/3 cup Cognac (omit if making a non-alcoholic version)
Place everything into a heavy-bottomed pan, and gently heat over a low flame for around 20 minutes. Serve in mugs with a halved cinnamon stick and a halved slice of orange.
Cidre Chaud à la Cannelle – serves 8
4 cups hard cider (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
4 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
4 black peppercorns
1 star anise
2 tablespoons honey
1 apple, thinly-sliced, to serve
Prepare and serve as for the mulled wine.
Santé!