France is renowned for its culinary delights, and its beverages are no exception. French drinks offer rich flavors and traditions, from world-famous wines and classic cocktails to unique regional specialties.
In this blog, we will explore French beverages, including those enjoyed at French breakfasts, famous cocktails, and much more. So, let’s get started!
50+ delicious French drinks to enjoy
France is famous for its wine and several amazing cocktails. If you get a chance to visit the region, knowing how to pick a suitable drink can elevate the charm of your tour to a remarkable extent. Knowing how to order food in French is as essential as how to order French beverages. Below are some common phrases to order drinks in French:
| French | English |
| Je voudrais une bière, s’il vous plaît. | I would like a beer, please. |
| Pourrais-je avoir un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît ? | Could I have a glass of water, please? |
| Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît. | A carafe of water, please. |
| Une orange pressée/Un jus d’orange frais, s’il vous plaît. | A squeezed orange juice, please. |
| Un café noir, s’il vous plait. | A black coffee, please. |
| Un café au lait, s’il vous plaît. | A coffee with milk, please |
| Un verre de vin rouge, s’il vous plaît. | A glass of red wine, please. |
You might also want to check out the ways to say yes in French in case you get into a detailed conversation with the waiter. You must also know the numbers in French if you order drinks for your friends.
List of French drinks
Below is a list of French drinks, from cold to hot. Keep reading to expand your French vocabulary and practice pronouncing them correctly.
Water in French
| English | French |
| Water | Eau |
| Still water | Eau plate |
| Mineral water | Eau minérale |
| Tonic water | Eau tonique |
| Soda water | Eau gazeuse |
| Bottle of water | Bouteille d’eau |
| Tap water | Eau du robinet |
| Glass of water | Verre d’eau |
| Spring water | Eau de source |
| Flavored water | Eau aromatisée |
There is no life without water. It is the first drink you must learn in any new language. There are also several non-alcoholic cold drinks in French. Some of the most popular ones are as follows:
Non-alcoholic cold drinks and sodas in French
| English | French |
| Juice | Jus de fruits |
| Soda | Soda |
| Orange juice | Jus d’orange |
| Lemon juice | Citron pressé |
| Lemonade | Limonade |
| Milk | Lait |
| Fruit juice | Jus de fruits |
| Vegetable juice | Jus de légumes |
| Nectar | Nectar |
| Syrup | Sirop |
| Ice coffee | Café glacé |
| Milk with grenadine syrup | Bébé rose |
| Milk with mint syrup | Bébé vert |
Now, let’s move towards hot French drinks. From hot chocolate in French to tea in French, here are the most common ones:
Hot drinks in French
| English | French |
| Coffee | Café |
| Tea | Thé |
| Green tea | Thé vert |
| Black tea | Thé noir |
| Hot chocolate | Chocolat chaud |
| Chai latte | Chai latte |
| Cappuccino | Cappuccino |
| Espresso | Expresso |
| Drip coffee | Café filtré |
| Herbal tea | Tisane/infusion |
| Coffee with milk | Café au lait |
| Long coffee | Café long |
Cocktails and mixed drinks in French
In France, alcoholic beverages are commonly confined to social gatherings. Cocktails and mixed alcoholic drinks will regularly be found in bars, nightclubs, and private parties.
| English | French |
| Margarita | Margarita |
| Gin and tonic | Gin tonic |
| Mojito | Mojito |
| Caipirinha | Caipirinha |
| Punch | Ti-Punch |
| Bloody Mary | Bloody Mary |
| Kir | Kir |
| Kir royal | Kir royal |
| Soupe Angevine | Soupe Angevine |
| Mimosa | Mimosa |
| Blue Lagoon | Blue Lagoon |
| Boulevardier | Boulevardier |
| Sidecar | Sidecar |
| Serendipity | Serendipity |
| Piña colada | Piña colada |
| White Lady | White Lady |
| Marquisette | Marquisette |
| Embuscade | Embuscade |
| Sangria | Sangria |
| Jungle Juice | Jungle Juice |
| Pastis | Pastis |
Wine in French
Wine is deeply rooted in French culture. Whether you are having a family gathering or visiting a restaurant, you will always find wine at the tables.
| English | French |
| White wine | Vin blanc |
| Champagne | Champagne |
| Red wine | Vin rouge |
| Rosé | Rosé |
| A glass of wine | Un verre de vin |
| Mulled wine | Vin chaud |
| Sparkling wine | Vin pétillant/mousseux |
| A bottle of wine | Une bouteille de vin |
| Terroir | Terroir |
| Pairing | Accord |
| Organic wine | Vin biologique |
Now that you know plenty of French drinks, you must exhibit proper etiquette and manners to enjoy them. From savoring the experience to pairing the French drink with your food, the following tips will help you set the right tone to enjoy the experience:
Enjoying French drinks: Tips and etiquette
Savoring the experience
When enjoying French drinks, it’s important to savor the experience. Take your time to appreciate the aromas, flavors, and textures. Whether you’re sipping a glass of Bordeaux, enjoying a classic cocktail, or exploring a regional specialty, immerse yourself in the moment and the rich traditions behind the beverage.
Pairing with food
French drinks are often enjoyed with food; pairing them correctly can enhance the overall experience. Consider the flavors and characteristics of both the drink and the dish. For example, a rich Bordeaux pairs beautifully with red meat, while a crisp Champagne complements seafood and light appetizers. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
Serving temperature
Serving temperature is crucial for enjoying French drinks at their best. For example, wine should be served appropriately: white wines are typically served chilled, while red wines are best enjoyed at room temperature. On the other hand, cocktails are usually served cold, with or without ice. Paying attention to the serving temperature can significantly enhance your drinking experience.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular French wines?
The most famous French wines include Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. Bordeaux wines are known for their rich red blends, Burgundy for its elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Champagne for its iconic sparkling wines.
What is the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine?
Champagne is a type of sparkling wine made specifically in the Champagne region of France using the traditional méthode champenoise. Even if produced using the same method, sparkling wines made outside of this region cannot be labeled Champagne.
What are some classic French cocktails?
Classic French cocktails include the French 75, made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne; the Sidecar, made with cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice; and Kir Royale, made with crème de cassis and Champagne.
Conclusion
French drinks offer a rich and diverse world of flavors. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a cocktail fanatic, or simply looking to explore new tastes, French beverages have something to offer.
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