Translated by Bethszabee Garner
During the masterclasses organized by Campari on the art of cocktail making, we were inspired to compile a list of this season's essentials: from tried-and-true favorites that are on the verge of becoming iconic to new creations to discover with a glass in hand. Alongside Romain Chassang, bartender, and Antoine Besse, journalist for Time Out Paris, we have concocted a selection of summer drinks to try without delay, complete with recipes and a big surprise: the remarkable arrival of low-alcohol cocktails that are subtle, light, and irresistibly on trend.
Cocktails, a mirror of our desires
When the warm weather arrives, Paris once again becomes a city of terraces, open rooftops, and secret gardens. While the ritual of sharing a drink remains unchanged, the way we drink and are seen drinking has evolved considerably. The days of exposed boulevards are over, replaced by hidden gems, timeless and disconnected from the web.
"Hidden terraces, rooftops, gardens... Parisians want to escape the city, they're coming out of months of gray, being cooped up, and want to get away from that atmosphere. Since the 19th century, terraces have been located on the Grands Boulevards, and people wanted to be seen. Now, with the emergence of rooftops, which are by definition high up, the change of scenery is total and you no longer feel like you're in Paris," explains Antoine Bresse.
And as our desire to escape also finds its way into our glasses, cocktails are following suit, combining pleasure and aesthetics. Cocktails are becoming more than just a drink: they are a language. Ice cubes as clear as quartz, botanical infusions, pale hues like an impressionist painting. The cocktail is staged, shot, and shared. And if you don't know where to start, we've got you covered. Recipes, addresses, pro tips: your summer starts here. With or without moderation, but always with style.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The winning trio
The Spritz, a huge hit over the last five years, dominates the market with its orange color and promise of vacation. For a twist, there are alternatives such as Limoncè Aperitivo alla Siciliana, a new aperitif from Sicily. Arriving in France at the beginning of the year, it stands out with its fresh lemon taste and less sweet texture. While you wait to try it, here is the recipe for this typical Venetian drink, whose bitterness has won over most palates:
6 cl of Prosecco
4cl of Apérol Spritz
2cl dof sparkling water
A slice of orange
Picon Bière is one of the most popular summer drinks. Echoing the resurgence of authentic bistros such as Le Cornichon in Paris's 11th arrondissement, this blend of Picon, a popular spirit in northern France, and cold beer magnifies this idea of authenticity and a return to basics.
3cl of Picon
25 cl of beer bière (preferably lager)
The Margarita is regaining its former glory thanks to a wave coming straight from the United States. Here, the recipe varies with the addition of Grand Marnier, which adds real complexity to the final flavors. Mixed in a shaker, it brings that “je ne sais quoi” summer touch with its glass rimmed with fleur de sel!
4cl tequila
2cl Grand Marnier
3cl lime juice
A dash of agave syrup
The Paloma, the next big thing
After the orange fever of the Spritz, it seems that a new drink, straight from America, is starting to win hearts. Its name? The Paloma. Romain Chassang, bartender for the Faux Rêveur agency, gives us the details of his recipe: “The Paloma is a relatively simple cocktail to make because you don't need a shaker. First, you add 4cl of Espolòn Blanco tequila, then 1cl of freshly squeezed lime juice. It's very important that it's freshly squeezed. Next, add 10cl of grapefruit soda. Finally, you can add a slice of lime to top it off.” The Paloma releases a light citrus scent balanced by the peppery notes of the tequila.
Much more than just a cocktail, the Paloma's success can be measured by its desirability. The fact that it is Low ABV (low alcohol by volume), meaning it has a low alcohol content, makes it more drinkable over time. The same goes for its pink color, which, like the orange of the Spritz, makes it aesthetically pleasing. “The Paloma is pink, which is a key factor in its success as it is instantly recognizable,” adds the specialist.
This drink from Mexico is still being discovered but is gaining ground in the capital's trendy bars. At Cravan, a chic cocktail bar in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, the Paloma stands out for its fresh grapefruit and Timur berry-infused tequila. While waiting for it to dethrone the Spritz, why not try this sweet drink for the summer?
