Drinks

French Blonde

Add a touch of class to any evening with this citrusy, ethereal concoction of elderflower liqueur, gin, and Lillet Blanc.

  • Serves

    Makes 1 cocktail

  • Prep

    5 minutes

PHOTO: MURRAY HALL • FOOD STYLING: JESSIE YUCHEN

By Caraline Bianchetto Chase


Updated on January 26, 2024

In this bright and elegant gin drink, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice complements Lillet Blanc's citrus tones, while botanical gin brings out the classic French aperitif's herbal notes. In addition to oranges and white wine, Lillet also includes quinine, a potent bittering agent that lends its astringent flavor to tonic water. A splash of sweet and floral elderflower liqueur serves as a graceful foil, resulting in a French Blonde cocktail that's harmonious and chic, with a lovely pale yellow hue that's just the thing for brightening up a cold night.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
  • 2 oz. Lillet Blanc
  • 1 oz. dry gin
  • ½ oz. elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain
  • 3 dashes lemon bitters

Instructions

Step 1

To a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add the grapefruit juice, Lillet Blanc, gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon bitters and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve.

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