Love, Paris
Copyright © 2026 by HarperCollins Focus LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part, scanned, photocopied, recorded, distributed in any printed or electronic form, or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without express written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Published by Cider Mill Press, an imprint of HarperCollins Focus LLC, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214 USA.
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via any other means without permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please support authors’ rights, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials.
13-Digit ISBN: 978-1-40035-585-3
10-Digit ISBN: 1-40035-585-0
Books published by Cider Mill Press Book Publishers are available at special discounts for bulk purchases in the United States by corporations, institutions, and other organizations. For more information, please contact the publisher.
cidermillpress.com
Any internet addresses, phone numbers, or company or product information printed in this book are offered as a resource and are not intended in any way to be or to imply an endorsement by Cider Mill Press, nor does Cider Mill Press vouch for the existence, content, or services of these sites, phone numbers, companies, or products beyond the life of this book.
Without limiting the exclusive rights of any author, contributor or the publisher of this publication, any unauthorized use of this publication to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expressly prohibited. HarperCollins also exercise their rights under Article 4(3) of the Digital Single Market Directive 2019/790 and expressly reserve this publication from the text and data mining exception.
HarperCollins Publishers, Macken House, 39/40 Mayor Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C9W8, Ireland (https://www.harpercollins.com)
Cover design by Shannon Johnson-Pynes
Interior design by Ben Sampson
Typography: Adobe Garamond Pro, Gotham, Nautica, Semplicita, StilsonDisplayCond
Image Credits: Photos on pages 4, 10–11, 104, 134, 200, 231 used under official license from Unsplash; pages 12, 42, 74, 166 used under official license from pexels.com; pages 22–23, 33, 41, 50, 57, 60, 85, 89, 90, 93, 94, 97, 98, 101, 102, 116, 141, 142, 145, 165, 190, 193, 197, 216, 219 used under official license from Shutterstock.com. All other photos courtesy of Cider Mill Press.
Printed in Malaysia
26 27 28 29 30 PJM 5 4 3 2 1
First Edition
INTRODUCTION
This book is a love letter to the City of Light and the effortless charm and artistry it inspires in every moment. Every boulevard, balcony, and bistro hums with stories of passion and adventure, of stolen kisses and sparkling conversations that last until dawn.
Here, each drink is crafted in the spirit of Paris: elegant yet daring, timeless yet unpredictable. Some sparkle like the Eiffel Tower at midnight; others float like a jazz melody drifting through Montmartre in the midday sun. These cocktails capture the essence of the city—its beauty, its bite, and its ability to turn even heartbreak into art.
So raise a glass to unforgettable nights, to love that dances through the city streets, and to Paris: the city that reminds us that life, like a perfect cocktail, is meant to be savored.
FRENCH COCKTAILING RULES
• French love rules more than most cultures and as in everything else in French life, there are strict drinking guidelines to be followed.
• DO clink glasses with everyone in the group, wishing each other “Santé” (to health).
• Do NOT cross arms with others in your group—this brings bad luck.
• DO make eye contact with the person whose glass you’re clinking, or risk seven years of bad sex. Horrors!
• DO bring a good bottle of Champagne to your hostess.
• DO NOT open the Champagne before your guest of honor enters.
• ALWAYS remember: Moderation is a girl’s best friend.
• And the worst one: Wait until your host pours you more wine.
• P.S. We’ve always said rules were made to be broken.
COCKTAIL NOMENCLATURE
APÉRITIF/DIJESTIF: A drink that stimulates your appetite or a drink that helps you digest your meal. Examples of apéritifs are Suze and soda, any Champagne-based cocktail, Lillet or a kir. Dijestifs are drinks made with brandy, Chartreuse, Bénédictine, or calvados.
BITTERS: There are two different categories of bitters. There are bitter liqueurs, which are used as a modifier or base for a variety of cocktails. Examples include Campari, Suze, Aperol, Amaro, and Cocchi Rosa. There are also "bitters," which come in small bottles, the most well known being Angostura bitters. These are infused and very flavorful alcohol-based liquids typically used in extremely small quantities to add depth to a cocktail. They are made by a variety of companies and come in a myriad of flavors such as orange, chocolate, celery, and lavender, to name but a few.
A note on bitters: Bitters are a key ingredient in today’s craft cocktails. Stock up on a variety of flavors. There are a number of excellent companies making bitters in the U.S. and beyond including Bitter End, Fee’s, Scrappy’s, Bob’s, and Bittermans. Aromatic and orange are the most common flavor profiles. A sampler pack, which several of the companies offer, is a great idea.
CORDIALS: A sweetened and flavored liquor. Cordials and liqueurs are basically the same thing, except in the UK where a cordial is a sweet syrup without alcohol.
LIQUEUR: An alcoholic substance that is typically sweeter than a liquor and made by combining a distilled spirit with something sweet and flavorful such as fruit, coffee, cream, chocolate, herbs, or spices. Examples are cassis, Kahlúa, Irish cream, crème de menthe, and Grand Marnier.
VERMOUTH: Vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine that can be white, amber, rose, or red. Historically, vermouth coming from Italy was sweet and from France was dry, but now manufacturers all over make a range of colors and versions in response to consumer appetite.
LIQUOR: An alcoholic substance made from grains, plants, or sugar cane and fermented to be drunk straight or combined and used as the base of a cocktail. Examples are rum, vodka, gin, brandy, tequila, whiskey, and cachaça (a sugar cane–based alcohol made in Brazil).
GRENADINE: A popular pomegranate juice and sugar syrup used in cocktails. It can easily be made at home, which results in a better end-product than bottled versions. However, if you don't have the time for DIY, almost all syrups are available over the counter.
BAR TOOLS
Crafting the perfect cocktail takes a mix of finesse, timing, and the right tools to make it all come together perfectly. Some drinks practically pour themselves, while others invite a little extra care and attention to truly shine. That’s where a well-equipped bar comes in. Here’s what every home Parisian mixologist should have at hand.
COCKTAIL SHAKER
STRAINER
JIGGER
KNIFE
BOTTLE OPENER
CORKSCREW
COCKTAIL STIRRER
MUDDLER
JUICER
ZESTER
A NOTE ABOUT INGREDIENTS (AND SUBSTITUTIONS)
When a specific gin, rum, or other spirit is named, it’s chosen for its unique character and flavor profile. To recreate each drink exactly as served by the professionals, use the listed ingredients and brands. That being said, substitutions are totally fair game—swapping one premium vodka for another won’t make much difference. But tread carefully with vermouths, liqueurs, and bitters, where brand and balance can dramatically alter the taste. Stock up on key ingredients before attempting the more complex cocktails, and mix with confidence. And, of course, feel free to experiment with different garnishes, or even skip them entirely if you’re short on time or materials.
SIMPLE SYRUP: A number of cocktails call for simple syrup. Fortunately, simple syrup is as simple to make as its name suggests. Combine water and white granulated sugar in a 1:1 ratio in a pan over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil. The syrup should keep for about a month in the fridge. You can add a dash of vodka to extend the shelf life.
EACH CHAPTER CELEBRATES A DIFFERENT PARISIAN MOOD: the buzz of a crowded bistro, the serenity of a stroll along the Seine, the sparkle of a garden gala. Every drink tells a story of the city. Its rhythm and light shine through in these sippable testaments to Paris's irresistible charm. Mix them for yourself or share with friends who love a good toast and an even better view. It’s time to sip, stir, and savor Paris in all her moods.
STREET CORNER SIPPING
This chapter brings to life the charm and magic of sitting in a corner café in the city of love. Whether you’re picturing yourself enjoying an espresso and an eclair in the morning or falling in love over a romantic dinner for two in the glow of the evening, this chapter has the perfect cocktail to embody your dreams.
Cobblestone Kiss
Love, Paris
Combining the orange flavors of Tanqueray’s
Sevilla gin, curaçao, orange wine, orange bitters, and orange blossom—plus a blood orange and orange twist garnish—this drink refreshes like a great Spritz should.
1 OZ. TANQUERAY SEVILLA GIN
1 OZ. ORANGE WINE
1/2 OZ. VANILLA SYRUP
2 DASHES ORANGE BITTERS
1/2 OZ. PIERRE FERRAND DRY CURAÇAO
1 DROP ORANGE BLOSSOM WATER
3 OZ. PROSECCO
BLOOD ORANGE WHEEL (GARNISH)
ORANGE TWIST (GARNISH)
Fill a highball glass with ice.
In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine all the ingredients except the prosecco and shake vigorously.
Strain the drink into the highball glass.
Top with prosecco and gently stir.
Garnish with a blood orange wheel and an orange twist.
Duskat11/2 OZ. BRENNE WHISKY (OR ANOTHER SWEET WHISKEY SUCH AS JAMESON’S)
1–2 OZ. FRESH LEMON JUICE
11/2 TEASPOONS SIMPLE SYRUP (SEE PAGE 9)
11/2 TEASPOONS LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUR
LUXARDO MARASCHINO OR OTHER COCKTAIL CHERRIES (GARNISH)
Fill a rocks glass with ice.
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously then strain into the rocks glass.
A French-ified version of a true American classic, the Whiskey Sour.
Garnish with cocktail cherries.
Paris
CaféCreation
1 OZ. CORDIAL CAFFÈ LUCANO ANNIVERSARIO
2/3 OZ. ADRIATICO AMARETTO
11/3 OZ. VODKA
This coffee Negroni may be inspired by an everyday drink, but it is anything but typical. For this cocktail, you use vodka instead of gin, amaretto in place of vermouth, and Cordial Caffè Lucano Anniversario in place of the Campari. The mix will have a nutty, sweet taste and a creamy texture.
1/3 OZ. VANILLA SYRUP
Fill a rocks glass with ice.
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir.
Strain the cocktail into the rocks glass.
1 OZ. VODKA
1 OZ. COCONUT WATER, NOT FROM CONCENTRATE (SUCH AS HARMLESS HARVEST)
1 OZ. FRESH WATERMELON JUICE (SEE PAGE 23)
CHILLED PROSECCO, TO TOP (ABOUT 2 OZ.)
LIME WEDGE AND COURSE SALT, FOR THE RIM
FRESH HERB LEAVES (GARNISH)
BeretChill the vodka, coconut water, watermelon juice, and prosecco in advance in the coldest part of your refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
Fresh watermelon and coconut water make this drink particularly hydrating, while a low-alcohol content makes it appropriate for daytime drinking in the hot sun. Though watermelon juice will take a few extra minutes to prepare in advance, the rest of the drink is simply layered in the glass—no shaking or stirring required.
Partially rim a chilled rocks glass by dragging a lime wedge over half of the edge and dipping it in a small plate or bowl filled with coarse salt.
Into the prepared glass, pour the chilled vodka, coconut water, and watermelon juice over one king watermelon cube. Top carefully with the prosecco.
Garnish with a fresh herb of choice, such as fennel fronds, mint, or celery leaves.
WATERMELON JUICE
To juice a watermelon, scoop out the flesh and place it in the container of an electric blender. Cover and blend on high speed for about 5 seconds or just until liquified. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, stirring occasionally to speed up the process, and store in the refrigerator (best used within 24 hours, maximum 3 days).
About CIDER MILL PRESS BOOK PUBLISHERS
Cider Mill Press publishes exceptional books that combine creativity and craftsmanship. As an imprint of HarperCollins Focus, we specialize in premium cookbooks, cocktail and spirits guides, and illustrated gift books, all distinguished by compelling content, striking design, and a commitment to quality in every detail. Cider Mill Press sets the standard for books that inform, inspire, and elevate everyday moments. Learn more at cidermillpress.com.
“Where
Good Books Are Ready for Press”
501 Nelson Place
Nashville, Tennessee 37214 USA