A Night in Paris Cocktail
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Transport yourself to the romantic streets of Paris with this elegant and sophisticated cocktail. A blend of rich cognac and fruity Chambord creates a deep, luxurious base, while freshly muddled blackberries add a burst of vibrant color and flavor.
A touch of simple syrup balances the tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice, resulting in a perfect harmony of sweet and sour. Garnished with a twist of lemon, this cocktail is as visually stunning as it is delicious—a true ode to the timeless charm of Paris.
What is Cognac?
Cognac is a type of brandy that comes from the Cognac region in France. It’s made by distilling white wine, typically from specific grape varieties like Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, or Colombard.
The distilled spirit is then aged in oak barrels for at least two years, although many cognacs are aged much longer. The aging process gives cognac its rich, complex flavors, which often include notes of vanilla, spice, fruit, and oak.
Cognac is considered one of the finest and most luxurious types of brandy, and it’s often enjoyed neat or as a key ingredient in high-end cocktails.
Drink Ingredients
- Cognac
- Raspberry Liqueur
- Fresh blackberries or raspberries
- Simple syrup
- Lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or slice
- Cocktail muddler
- Coupe glasses
- Cocktail shaker
Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.
Can I use a different type of liquor instead of cognac?
Yes, you can experiment with different base spirits like brandy or whiskey. However, cognac adds a specific depth and richness that complements the flavors of Chambord and blackberries.
What can I substitute for Chambord?
If you don’t have Chambord, you can substitute it with another raspberry or berry-flavored liqueur, such as crème de cassis or a blackberry liqueur. The flavor profile will vary slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
What’s the best glass to serve this cocktail in?
A Night in Paris cocktail is typically served in a coupe or a martini glass, but it can also be enjoyed in a rocks glass over ice if you prefer a more casual presentation.
How to make A Night in Paris Cocktail
Add the fresh berries, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Gently crush the berries with a muddler to release their juices.
Add the cognac, raspberry liqueur, and 3 ice cubes to the shaker. Place the lid on the shaker and tightly seal. Shake vigorously for 45-60 seconds to combine and cool the drink.
Strain the drink into two chilled glasses, top with additional ice, and garnish with a twist of lemon and fresh berry. Serve immediately.
This romantic summer drink is Goldilocks approved – It’s not too tart, and not too sweet, it’s just right!
How do I muddle blackberries properly?
Place the fresh blackberries in the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press down and twist to release the juices and flavors. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can release bitterness from the seeds.
Can I make this cocktail in advance?
It is best to make A Night in Paris “fresh” to enjoy the full flavor of the muddled blackberries and the brightness of the lemon juice. If you need to prepare in advance, you can mix the cognac, Chambord, and simple syrup ahead of time, but wait to add the lemon juice, blackberries, and ice until just before serving.
Should I double strain the cocktail?
If you prefer a smoother texture without any blackberry seeds and pulp, you can double strain the cocktail by pouring it through a fine mesh strainer after shaking. This step is optional and depends on your personal preference.
Make it a meal
This fruity cocktail is the perfect way to start a classic French meal!
- Start with a simple tossed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette.
- Braised Coq au Riesling (Coq au Vin Blanc) is a twist on a classic French dish made with chicken thighs, leeks, garlic, white wine, and chicken stock is a flavor-packed main dish.
- Serve with French green beans, sautéed zucchini and carrots, or roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
- Crème Brûlée is the perfect dessert for this French meal, and it’s super easy to make in a pressure cooker. I also have a version of Crème Brûlée made with or without dairy in the oven if you prefer.
- Finish off the night with a glass of cognac while kicking back and watching the stars twinkle in the sky.
A Night in Paris Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 fresh blackberries or raspberries
- 1 ounce simple syrup use 2-ounces for a sweeter drink
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice one lemon – remove strips of the rind to make your twists, before squeezing.
- 3 ounces cognac
- 1 ounce raspberry liqueur like Chambord
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the fresh berries, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Gently crush the berries with a muddler to release their juices.
- Add the cognac, raspberry liqueur, and 3 ice cubes to the shaker. Place the lid on the shaker and tightly seal. Shake vigorously for 45-60 seconds to combine and cool the drink.
- Strain the drink into two chilled glasses, top with additional ice, and garnish with a twist of lemon and fresh berry. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you don’t have Chambord, you can substitute it with another raspberry or berry-flavored liqueur, such as crème de cassis or a blackberry liqueur.
- This cocktail can also be enjoyed in a rocks glass over ice if you prefer a more casual presentation.
- No cognac? You can try brandy, rum, or whiskey. It will still be delicious, but the flavor profile will be different.
- Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can release bitterness from the seeds.
- If you prefer a smoother texture without any blackberry seeds and pulp, you can double strain the cocktail by pouring it through a fine mesh strainer after shaking.
