If you’re planning to visit France, you should sample some of the country’s finest distilled spirits. From classic French cocktails to unique liqueurs and Eaux-de-vie, some drinks are practically synonymous with the French bar scene, and no trip to France would be complete without trying them at least once. Here are five types of Spirits of France that every visitor to France should try at least once
1) Armagnac
Armagnac is a type of brandy distilled from wine produced in the Armagnac region in the Gascony region, southwest France. It was first distilled during the 14th century. The Armagnac region is now known as one of the leading producers and consumers.
The alcohol content can be anywhere from 40% to 54%. To make Armagnac, a blend of grape varieties is used. These include Folle Blanche, Colombard, Ugni blanc, and Bourboulenc, using Folle Blanche in over 50% of cases.
2) Calvados
Calvados is a type of apple brandy that has been distilled and aged in oak barrels. It originated in the region of Normandy, hence the name Calvados. The beverage is traditionally drunk as an apéritif or digestif but can be mixed with other ingredients to make cocktails.
It’s produced by distilling hard cider and then aging it for at least two years in French oak barrels. To create the drink, a distiller starts by pressing apples into juice and fermenting it until its alcohol content reaches between 5% and 8%. This process is also known as apple wine fermentation.
3) Cognac
Cognac is a type of brandy that is distilled from wine. The production process requires using oak barrels, which give the cognac its distinctive taste. Cognac has many different styles, with Grande Champagne and Fine Champagne being the most well-known.
The two regions have different production methods that result in different flavors and aromas; Grande Champagne is made using a blend of grapes, whereas Fine Champagne uses 100% Ugni Blanc grapes. If you want to try something different, look for Hennessey or Courvoisier.
They are both unique because they are distilled three times and come out at 80 proof. For an even more intense flavor, Rémy Martin has something special: they age their cognacs in French oak barrels for 15 years instead of the traditional six to eight years.
4) Pastis
Pastis is an anise-flavored, licorice-flavored liquor. It is 40% alcohol by volume (80 U.S. proof) and has a distinctive flavor derived from various plants, including star anise and other herbs or spices such as fennel, licorice root, and lavender.
The first recorded mention of the drink was in 1856 in the town Arles, where it was known as Pernod, after the French liquor Pernot which had been based on absinthe but replaced that ingredient with anisette to remove its troublesome side effects. Pastis is usually drunk neat.
5) Cachaca
Cachaca is a sugar cane spirit that is made in Brazil. It’s a light, refreshing liquor that pairs well with fruit juice, lemonade, or soda water. Cachaca can be used in cocktails to add an extra kick or to sweeten the taste. Cachaca can be served neat, on the rocks, with ice cubes, or as aperitifs.
The traditional serving of cachaca is a caipirinha. Caipirinhas are served with lime wedges and sometimes sugar. There are many variations of caipirinhas, such as pisco caipirinhas which uses pisco instead of cachaca, and strawberry caipirinhas.
Conclusion
If you haven’t tried traditional French liquor such as Armagnac, Cognac, and Calvados, you are missing out on some of the best spirits in the world. With their rich history and complex flavor profiles, these liquors are a must-try for anyone looking to expand their palate.
