Champs-Élysées Cocktail: Paris in a Glass

A Brief Dive into Its Origins

This cocktail first appeared in the early 20th century, a period when cocktails were gaining ground in Europe’s high society. Named after the iconic Parisian boulevard where art, culture, and fashion collide, the Champs-Élysées pays tribute to French heritage through its star ingredients: Cognac and Yellow Chartreuse. Cognac brings warmth and depth, while the monk-crafted Chartreuse adds a uniquely herbal, almost mysterious character. For over a century, bartenders have turned to this drink as a showcase of balance and elegance.

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What You’ll Need

To build your Champs-Élysées Cocktail, gather:

• Cognac – The luxurious French brandy that forms the drink’s rich, velvety backbone.
• Yellow Chartreuse – Sweet, herbal, and layered with over 130 botanicals, it lends intrigue and complexity.
• Lemon Juice – Bright and zesty, balancing the richness of the Cognac and Chartreuse.
• Simple Syrup – A touch of sweetness to round things out, adjustable to your taste.
• Angostura Bitters – A dash of spice that pulls the entire drink together.

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Bittersweet Brilliance

What makes the Champs-Élysées special is its seamless balance:

• Herbal elegance from the Yellow Chartreuse.
• Citrus brightness that keeps the drink refreshing.
• Smooth depth from the Cognac, ensuring a silky finish.
• Aromatic spice from bitters that ties every element into harmony.

It’s the kind of cocktail that feels just as fitting at a bustling soirée as it does on a quiet evening in.

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Substitutions & Variations

Want to tweak it to your taste? Try these:

• Spirit swap – Replace Cognac with Armagnac for more rustic character, or aged rum for a warmer, tropical note.
• Different citrus – Lime or grapefruit juice can completely shift the drink’s personality.
• Herbal upgrade – Add a fresh basil leaf or rosemary sprig for a modern aromatic twist.

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Helpful Tips

• Garnish smartly – A lemon twist isn’t just pretty; the expressed oils add a subtle aroma that enhances the sip.
• Pair it well – This cocktail sings alongside seafood, roasted chicken, or light hors d’oeuvres like smoked salmon.
• Batch it up – For a dinner party, scale the recipe and keep it chilled in a carafe. Just shake individual servings with ice before pouring.