When simplicity meets sophistication, you get the French Connection cocktail. This two-ingredient masterpiece proves that sometimes the most elegant drinks are the least complicated. We’ve spent countless evenings perfecting the ratio of smooth cognac to rich amaretto, and we’re here to share our findings with fellow cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate the nuanced interplay of fine spirits.
What Is a French Connection Cocktail?
The French Connection cocktail emerged in the 1970s, coinciding with the release of the iconic film of the same name. This elegant pairing of French cognac and Italian amaretto represents a perfect marriage of two European spirits, creating a smooth, sophisticated drink that’s become a modern classic in cocktail lounges worldwide.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a French Connection Cocktail
How to Make a French Connection Cocktail
- Step 1: Select a well-chilled rocks glass and fill it with quality ice.
- Step 2: Pour 1½ ounces of cognac over the ice.
- Step 3: Add 1 ounce of amaretto.
- Step 4: Gently stir for 30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and temperature.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Tip 1: For maximum enjoyment, serve this cocktail slightly warmer than most – the aromatics really open up around 40°F.
- Tip 2: While traditional recipes call for a rocks glass, serving it up in a chilled Nick & Nora glass creates an elegant alternative presentation.
- Tip 3: Experiment with different cognac expressions to find your preferred profile – each brings unique characteristics to the drink. the number of bitters to your taste. A few extra dashes can ramp up the complex flavors.
How to Serve This French Connection Cocktail
Serve in a rocks glass over fresh ice, or strain into a chilled cocktail glass for a more refined presentation. No garnish is traditionally used, letting the spirits speak for themselves.
More Cocktail Recipes
Explore our collection of cognac cocktails, including the Sidecar and Vieux Carré, or discover more amaretto-based drinks in our liqueur section.
French Connection Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 11/2 oz cognac
- 1 oz amaretto
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice and add the cognac and amaretto.
- Stir to combine.
- Serve in rocks glass or transfer to a chilled cocktail glass.
Recipe FAQs
While cognac is preferred for authenticity, a quality brandy will work. Remember that cognac’s distinct character comes from its specific French region and production methods.
Stirring maintains the silky texture and prevents over-dilution, allowing you to fully appreciate the spirits’ complexity.
We recommend a VSOP cognac like Rémy Martin or Hennessy VSOP, which offer the right balance of depth and smoothness without overwhelming the amaretto.
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