In this week's COTW: We're whisking you away to the sun-drenched shores of southern France with an elegant, blush-colored refresher that pairs the region's most celebrated wine with Mediterranean citrus and herbs for a taste of sophisticated coastal leisure.
Welcome back to our "Vacation Vibrations" series, where we're exploring cocktails inspired by popular summer travel destinations. We've already journeyed to Italy's Amalfi Coast and the tropical paradise of Bali. Today, we're setting our sights on the French Riviera – that glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline that has been drawing celebrities, artists, and sun-seekers for generations.
THE COCKTAIL:
Today's feature is the "Riviera Spritzer" – a refined, refreshing cocktail that embodies the elegant simplicity of French coastal living. This spritzer combines dry French rosé wine – the unofficial beverage of the Côte d'Azur – with bright citrus notes and aromatic Mediterranean herbs to create a drink that's simultaneously sophisticated and refreshing. It's perfect for channeling that Riviera lifestyle, whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting an elegant outdoor soirée.
Riviera Spritzer
Ingredients
- French Rosé Wine (4 oz per cocktail): The star of our spritzer is a dry, pale rosé from Provence – the heartland of French rosé production. Look for wines from appellations like Côtes de Provence or Bandol. Brands like Whispering Angel, Miraval, or Château Minuty are excellent choices, but any dry, pale pink rosé will work beautifully. Avoid sweeter rosés, as they'll throw off the balance. The wine should have delicate notes of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus with a crisp, mineral finish that evokes the Mediterranean terroir.
- Citrus (1 oz fresh juice per cocktail): A combination of fresh grapefruit and lemon juices provides brightness and acidity. Pink grapefruit adds a subtle bitterness and beautiful color, while lemon brings sharp clarity. These citrus fruits grow abundantly in the Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera and feature prominently in the region's cuisine.
- Herbs (for infusion and garnish): We'll use a combination of herbs typical of the South of France. Lavender brings a delicate floral note, thyme adds earthy complexity, and rosemary contributes an aromatic pine-like quality. These herbs not only flavor our cocktail but also evoke the fragrant garrigue landscape of Provence.
- Herb-Infused Simple Syrup (½ oz per cocktail): This adds subtle sweetness and herbal complexity. To prepare: Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, cool completely, and refrigerate until needed.
- Sparkling Water (2 oz per cocktail): A splash of crisp, unflavored sparkling water adds effervescence and lightens the cocktail, making it perfect for sipping on warm days. French brands like Perrier or Badoit would be thematically appropriate.
- Garnish Options: A sprig of fresh herbs (lavender, thyme, or rosemary), a twist of grapefruit or lemon peel, or a few fresh seasonal berries.
- Ice: Large, clear ice cubes are ideal as they melt slowly and won't dilute this delicate cocktail too quickly.
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your herb-infused simple syrup in advance, allowing it to cool completely.
- Fill a large wine glass with ice – ideally large cubes rather than smaller pieces.
- Add 4 ounces of chilled dry French rosé wine to the glass.
- In a separate small mixing glass or shaker, combine ¾ ounce fresh pink grapefruit juice, ¼ ounce fresh lemon juice, and ½ ounce of your prepared herb-infused simple syrup. Stir briefly to integrate.
- Pour this mixture over the rosé and ice.
- Top with 2 ounces of chilled sparkling water, adding it gently to preserve the effervescence.
- Give the drink one gentle stir with a bar spoon to incorporate all elements without losing carbonation.
- For the garnish, take a sprig of fresh herb (lavender works beautifully), gently slap it between your palms to release the essential oils, and place it in the glass. Add a twist of grapefruit peel, expressing the oils over the surface of the cocktail before adding it to the glass.
GLASSWARE:
A large wine glass is the perfect vessel for this spritzer, allowing the aromas to concentrate at the top of the glass. In the South of France, outdoor cafés often serve similar drinks in stemmed glasses to keep the contents cool while showcasing the beautiful blush color.
FRENCH RIVIERA APERITIF HOUR:
To create a true Riviera experience, serve your spritzer as part of a French-inspired aperitif hour. In the South of France, pre-dinner drinks are typically accompanied by light snacks called "amuse-bouches." Consider offering:
- Olives marinated with herbs de Provence
- Thin slices of saucisson (French dry sausage)
- Small bowls of pistachios or almonds
- Radishes with sea salt and butter
- A simple tapenade with toasted baguette slices
Set up on an outdoor terrace or patio if possible – the French Riviera lifestyle is all about embracing the pleasant Mediterranean climate.
REGIONAL INSPIRATION & HISTORY:
The French Riviera, known as the Côte d'Azur in French, stretches along the Mediterranean coast from Cassis to the Italian border. This sun-drenched region rose to international prominence in the late 19th century when European aristocracy began wintering there, attracted by the mild climate and stunning natural beauty.
By the 1920s, artists like Picasso and writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald had made the Riviera their playground, cementing its reputation as a haven for creative spirits and sophisticated travelers. The region's golden age of glamour arrived in the 1950s and 60s with the Cannes Film Festival and celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly turning Saint-Tropez and Monaco into symbols of jet-set luxury.
Rosé wine has been produced in Provence for over 2,600 years, introduced by the ancient Greeks who founded Marseille. Today, the region produces over 140 million bottles annually, with the pale, dry style becoming emblematic of French Riviera leisure culture. The local saying goes, "Rosé all day," reflecting how this wine has become synonymous with relaxed coastal living.
Our Riviera Spritzer takes inspiration from traditional French aperitifs while incorporating the herbs that perfume the Provençal landscape and the citrus fruits that thrive in the Mediterranean climate, creating a drink that captures the essence of this iconic vacation destination.
CLOSING:
The Riviera Spritzer embodies the elegant simplicity that defines French coastal living – it's refined without being pretentious, refreshing without being simplistic. Whether you're dreaming of the glamour of Saint-Tropez or the artistic heritage of Nice, this cocktail brings a taste of the Côte d'Azur to your glass, inviting you to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the art of leisurely enjoyment that the French do so well.
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]
Reminder: As always, enjoy responsibly and designate a driver if you're out and about sampling these delightful creations.