When you think of wine, you probably think of table wine, but the French wine category is much larger. It includes a total of three primary categories and several subcategories, which we will go into further detail throughout this apéritif guide. Keep in mind that there may be some overlap between subcategories; for instance, Cointreau is a fortified wine that falls into two subcategories: liqueur and aromatized.

Fruit Brandy: eau de vie de fruit: prune brandy, pear brandy and cherry brandies are some of the originals in France. The original or classic St Raphael is a sweet ruby red-coloured fortified wine containing Quinine, Gentian, bitter oranges, vanilla, and cocoa. It was created in 1830 by Docteur Juppet as a tonic to help the French troops in North Africa suffering from Malaria. Sweet liqueurs in France are called “Vins de liqueur” or “Mistelle”. The terms are often used interchangeably in France. The EU doesn’t recognize mistelle as its own category and simply considers it a fortified wine.This traditional spirit holds cultural significance in Greek traditions and is often enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif or used in culinary creations. Pernod (France) Cointreau is one of a handful of drinks that is acceptable to drink both as a French aperitif and a digestif drink. Nonetheless, it is crucial to bear in mind that these liqueurs remain alcoholic drinks and ought to be enjoyed responsibly. Any potential health benefits should be viewed as supplementary perks rather than the primary motivation for consumption.

Today, Ratafia is a broad term used in various countries for several distinct beverage styles, including Spain, France, and even Switzerland. Ratafia de Champagne / Ratafia de Borgogne (fortified with pomace brandy) Liqueurs in France are heavily sweetened and fortified with brandy to NON-fermented or lightly fermented fruit must (skin, pips, stems and all) which produces a sweeter fortified wine. Don’t be fooled by the label. The first time I saw Picon in the store, I thought it was beer because the label says “Picon Bière.”The apples used to make traditional French cider are bittersweet and have a very low alcohol content, no more than 3-5%. Marie Brizard started with anisette liqueur, but today, there are over 80 naturally flavoured liqueurs and essences and around 30 non-alcoholic syrups As a French aperitif drink, serve: Crémant can only be called Crément if it’s from one of eight regions in France. Bordeau, Loire, Alsace, Bourgogne, Jura, Limoux, Savoie or Die. Luxembourg also produces crémant. Marie Brizard is the first and oldest French liqueur house, created in Bordeaux in 1755. It’s also one of the few alcohol companies started by a woman. Serve over ice with a twist. ***VDN: VIN DOUX NATUREL (Naturally Sweet Fortified wines: The French Port)

Invented in 1960 by French Cafés in Dijon in honour of the meeting between Félix Kir and Russian dignitary Nikita Kroutchev. In 1932, 17 years after Absinthe was Banned, Paul Ricard commercialized Pastis to replace the French thirst for absinthe, minus the controversial wormwood. Pastis was an instant hit and still is today, especially in the south of France. Also known as over ice, this will help dilute the drink ever so slightly, yet still preserve its strong taste.This is a great way to play up the Jägermeister and give you more of a boost than a regular shot of alcohol. First, you’ll fill a shot glass with Jägermeister. Because of its low alcohol content, 16% to 18%, it’s usually served chilled or over ice before meals as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to cheese, melons, chocolate and apple-based desserts. 31) RinQuinQuin 1898 (fortified Peach Wine Liqueur from Provence Rhone Region) Recipes vary from person to person, but generally, you only need three ingredients to make Ti-punch: Rum, sugar and lime. On a French aperitif drink menu, you may see this listed as “ Coupe de champagne,” which simply means a glass of champagne. Here are some French champagne brands: The deer on the logo is actually a representation of the vision of Saint Hubertus, a master hunter who converted to Christianity.