French Pearl
The French Pearl cocktail is an elegant, refreshing gin drink brightened with lime juice and balanced by simple syrup. Its defining touch is a rinse of pastis, the anise-flavoured liqueur that clouds, or “louches,” when mixed, giving the drink a distinctive French flair.
The French Pearl was created by Audrey Saunders in 2006 in New York. The cocktail is a tribute to the 1800s France where it was fashionable at that time to sip Pastis.
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2
Equipment
- coupe glass
Ingredients
- 4-5 mint leaves
- 60 ml gin
- 22.5 ml lime juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 7.5 ml Pastis
- mint sprig
- lime wheel
Instructions
- Muddle the mint leaves in the cocktail shaker. Pour in all the ingredients and add some ice. Shale well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig along a lime wheel.
FAQ
What is a French Pearl cocktail?
The French Pearl is a refreshing gin-based cocktail with elderflower liqueur, fresh lime juice, mint, and a light absinthe rinse. It has a floral, herbal character balanced by citrus.
How does a French Pearl taste?
It is crisp and aromatic, with the botanicals of gin and absinthe lifted by the sweetness of elderflower and the freshness of mint and lime.
Can I make a French Pearl without absinthe?
Yes, you can omit the absinthe or replace it with a dash of anise-flavoured liqueur for a similar aroma, though the original’s complexity will be slightly reduced.
What food pairs well with a French Pearl?
Its herbal and floral notes pair well with seafood, fresh salads, and light goat cheese dishes.
What cocktails are similar to a French Pearl?
If you like gin-forward floral cocktails, try the Aviation or the Bee’s Knees.