The popular iconic local cocktails to enjoy on your next trip to the French Riviera

This is the time of year where you, like many others, will likely start counting the days until the summer holidays. And let’s be honest. While in times of climate change and more frequent heat waves coolcations in regions like Scandinavia are becoming more popular each year, the timeless allure of southern Europe with its extensive sandy beaches, whitewashed coastal towns and the incredible Mediterranean cuisine are still hard to beat.

I mean, just think of this incredible light along the French Riviera, the local beaches, coastal towns and hilltop villages, along with the amazing local markets, and exceptional food and wines.

And clearly, there is no better way to end a sun-drenched day on the French Riviera than by heading out for a pre-dinner drink. Whether you’ve spent your afternoon exploring hilltop villages or relaxing by the sea, l’apéro – France’s stylish answer to aperitivo – is an essential, and thoroughly enjoyable, evening ritual you will not want to miss.

Just picture yourself sinking into a plush lounger at one of the Côte d’Azur’s legendary beach clubs or a chic coastal rooftop lounge, gazing out over the sparkling, azure waters of the French Mediterranean while sipping a refreshing cocktail.

If you are planning to spend time in the south of France this summer, visiting the glamorous French Riviera, swap the usual Aperol Spritz for one of the classic local cocktails at l’apéro.

So, are you ready to order?

I’d not be surprised the answer is a firm yes. And there will be no shortage of delicious cocktails to choose from at the local bars. Yet, since you are in the South of France, swap the usual Aperol Spritz for one of the popular local classics.

Below you will find a list of the most popular cocktails you should try on your next trip to the glamorous French Riviera.

Lillet Tonic – Though Lillet has been around since 1872 when the company was founded by brothers Raymond and Paul Lillet, this iconic brand has burst onto the international scene recently thanks to Netflix’s popular ‘Emili in Paris’ blockbuster. The aromatized wine from Bordeaux is made from classic Bordeaux grapes blended with citrus liqueurs and quinine. It’s available in white, rosé and red variations. Though it can be enjoyed neat or poured over ice, the refreshing Lillet Tonic is certainly the most popular Lillet-based cocktail.

St. Germain Spritz – Composed of St Germain elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and soda water, this light, elegant and floral cocktail is a slightly sweeter twist on the classic Aperol Spritz. The drink is substituting the bitter orange of Aperol for the delicate, aromatic notes of French elderflower liqueur. It is perhaps the most popular cocktail during the hot summer months in the South of France.

Rosé Piscine – A glass of Provence rosé served over a generous amount of ice. Popular in Saint-Tropez on hot days, the drink was allegedly created by French actress Brigitte Bardot at her favourite beach club in Saint-Tropez, Le Club 55 in the 1960s. The rosé piscine (the pink swimming pool) usually consists of an aromatic, fruit-forward rosé served in a large wine goblet with plenty of ice cubes.

Pastis and Water – The two-ingredient (OK, three if you add ice) quintessential South of France aperitif made with licorice-flavoured Ricard or Pastis 51 diluted with cold water. It might not sound like a very fun or elaborated cocktail but give it a try and you will likely agree it’s the simplicity of the drink that makes it so appealing. Indeed, if you love licorice, this one is for you.

If you order this drink in the South of France, traditionally a shot of Patis will be poured into a small glass. Then a carafe filled with water and perhaps a small bowl with ice cubes will be placed next to it. Note, locals will prefer the water to be ice cold and not adding additional ice.

Now it’s up to the guest (you) to pour the water into the glass with Pastis. The rule is to pour around four-times the amount of Pastis (or a bit more, depending on your liking). Once the water is added, the clear, yellow-golden liquid will turn milky with light yellow hues. If you want to add some ice as well, add the ice cubes only after pouring the water. Otherwise, the ice can cause the anise oils to crystallize improperly.

Monaco – light, refreshing mix of lager beer, lemonade (or Sprite), and a splash of grenadine syrup, known for its red-and-white colour. The drink was invented in Monaco but had quickly spread beyond the borders of the principality to become popular along the whole coastline.

The Olivette – A sophisticated blend of gin and French elderflower liqueur (St. Germain), designed for bright, citrusy balance that is understood as a floral twist of the classic Martini cocktail. It replaces some of the heavier herbal notes of a traditional Martini with the sweet, fruity, and fragrant profile of elderflower that lends the drink a Mediterranean note.

French Riviera Cocktail – A complex mix of brandy or cognac, gold rum, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a spoon of apricot jam that evokes the Mediterranean flavours of the South of France. Though, fun fact, the drink was invented in London in 2015.

Cote d’Azur – You might expect something deep blue here but the pink-orange hued drink you will get – a refreshing mix of citrus flavoured vodka and fresh pink grapefruit juice – will not leave you disappointed.

Americano – While Italian in origin, this mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda is a staple apéritif in the bars and cafés along the French Riviera.

There is clearly no better way to enjoy these refreshing French Riviera-style cocktails then oceanside while watching the sun set over the azure waters of the Mediterranean. But they are ease-to-mix, though if you want to try your hand at one or two of them, perhaps serving them at your next garden party, you can find instructions on my Substack.

Now, tell me about your favourite travel-inspired cocktail

Which one is it, and where did you discover it?