Paris is remarkable. Any time of day. Any season. Laura Gladwin is a culinary pro who knows the city and translates its magic into this little book of 65 elegant drink and bite. The café, the restaurant, and the bistro all originated in Paris. The cocktail was perfected here.
The book begins with a brief history of Parisian libation life and the ingredients essential to “true Paris” beverages. This happy, casual survey is one you do want to read. Then the drinks flow, arranged into chapters organized by time of day and by ingredient.
I present cocktail ideas here with the ingredient lists but not the proportions. You’ll need your own copy of Parisian Cocktails for that. But, you were going to end up buying it anyway!
All-Day Cocktails is a chapter recognizing that the cafes open early and people being to enjoy beverages early too. There are standards here, to be sure: Bloody Mary and Mimosa. Ah, but then there is the Parisian Spring Punch: Calvados, vermouth, lemon juice, sugar syrup, champagne, and mint. And joy from Hemingway, Death in the Afternoon: absinthe and champagne.
By afternoon, it is time for Aperitifs and Champagne Cocktails. The classic French 75 is there: gin, lemon juice, sugar and champagne. The Saint Germain is celebrated in the cafes of, what else, Saint-Germain-des-Pres: champagne, elderflower liquor, soda and lemon zest. There is a Hemingway contribution here, too, called the Hemingway: Penrod and champagne. More complex is The Impressionist: Grand Marnier Cherry, raspberry syrup, Miclo Violette Liqueur, and naturally champagne.
There are two chapters for cocktails with gin, vodka, rum and whiskey. Examples include the Pepa: vermouth, cognac, vodka, and bitters. And the French Martini: vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice. Oh, yes, and the Cucumber Basil Gimlet: gin, lime, basil, cucumber slices and a cucumber spear.
Digestifs and Late-Night Drinks begins with the classic Absinthe: absinthe, sugar and water. If it is very late at night, you can try a Silk Stalking: tequila, crème de cacao, heavy cream, grenadine, and raspberries. If you want a classic here, it is the Sidecar: sugar, brandy, lemon juice, and Cointreau.
I know you think you can just drink. But you can’t. You need nibbles or Amuse Bouche. You’ll love the heat in Blue Cheese and Walnut Cocktail Biscuits and the sweetness of Fennel Seed Crackers with Chevre and Honey. There are Crab Toasts with Radish Salsa and Anchovy Wafers.
If you are planning a cocktail party or need a stunning array of appetizers and beverages begin a full-scale feast, then Parisian Cocktails is a gem. There are, to be sure, almost too many opportunities here. It’s rather like being in Paris and just not knowing which way to take the first step. In Paris, you’ll figure in out. And you will with Parisian Cocktails.