Message 10419 of 39188 in General Discussion

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> > ...This is a small French place, intimate, moderatly expensive.
> > Thank you so much, claire
> -------------------
> 
> Hard to say... you should check with your friend as to what they 
> commonly serve. Does their menu specifically call out individual 
> cocktails? It could be single spirits like as already been mentioned, 
> but they might also serve:
> 
> Champagne Cocktail
> Kir
> Kir Royale
> Manhattan
> Martini
> Sidecar (It was invented in Paris!)
> French 75
> ...and others of a similar vein.
> 
> And while something like a Negroni might sound out of place at 
> someplace like this, I once ate with Alain Ducase, and he served me 
> his "Chef's Cocktail" which had a Campari base, which frankly 
> suprised me a little. He explained that it was an excellent way to 
> wake up the tastebuds.
> 
> ...and I wouldn't be surpised if somebody asked for a Lemon Drop, 
> Cosmopolitan, or a screwdriver.
> 
> -Robert
>  www.DrinkBoy.com

If you're trying to be as authentically French as possible, then cocktails 
should be kept to a minimum. Aperos (aperitifs) should include Ricard and 
Casanis (from Marseille), both aniseed based drinks. Avoid Pernod like the 
scourge that it is. Also add Campari, as it the most popular apero in France. 
As mentioned above, Kir and Kir Royale are staples. But to be truly authentic, 
you need to make the wine list as comprehensive and geuine as possible. You 
might think this pedantic, but a Californian Cabernet Sauvignon is not a 
French wine (ahem), despite the history of grape inbreeding and export between 
America and France. Not being an expert in American bar culture, I can't 
comment on American consumption and appreciation of wine, but wine is French. 
It is France. Read a bit and construct a decent and rounded list, and the job 
is mostly done.
If adding cocktails, then to the Sidecar (above) add the Bloody Mary. Both 
were invented in Paris, albeit in Harry's American Bar, but represent the 
ideal blend of Franco-American mutual appreciation.