Smooth, nutty, and perfectly sweet—that’s the French Connection cocktail in a glass. It’s an easy, elegant drink that feels just as at home at a dinner party as it does on a quiet evening in. I’ve made this cocktail countless times, and it’s one of my favorite go-to recipes for when I want something simple but luxurious. Let’s mix one up together!
French Connection
Ingredients
You’ll need just two main ingredients for this classic cocktail, plus a glass and some ice. Here’s what to grab:
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) Cognac
- 1 oz (30 ml) Amaretto
- Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
Optional garnish: an orange twist or cherry for a touch of flair.
Glassware tip: A rocks glass works best for this drink, as its wide brim lets you enjoy the aroma of the spirits. If you want to feel extra fancy, you can use a snifter glass to bring out the Cognac’s bouquet.
Prep Time & Servings
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
Method
- Fill a rocks glass with ice. If you’ve got time, chilling the glass first makes the drink extra refreshing.
- Pour 1.5 oz (45 ml) of Cognac over the ice.
- Add 1 oz (30 ml) of Amaretto to the glass.
- Gently stir the drink a few times to combine the flavors without over-diluting.
- If you’d like, garnish with an orange twist or cherry for a little visual pop.
That’s it! You’ve got yourself a French Connection. It’s as simple as it is satisfying.
What Does It Taste Like?
The French Connection is smooth and warming, with a perfect balance of rich, oaky Cognac and sweet, nutty Amaretto. It’s like sipping on a cozy blanket with just enough of a kick to keep things interesting. This is the drink I reach for when I want something indulgent but not overly complicated.
Tips & Substitutions
- Pick quality Cognac. Since this cocktail has only two ingredients, the quality of your Cognac makes a big difference. A mid-range bottle works great—no need to splurge on the top shelf.
- Experiment with Amaretto brands. Each one has its own unique sweetness and almond flavor, so play around to find your favorite.
- Lighter option: For a less sweet version, use a low-sugar Amaretto.
- No Cognac on hand? Swap it for Bourbon to create a Southern-inspired twist.
- Non-alcoholic version: Use almond syrup in place of Amaretto and a splash of apple juice for the Cognac.
Serving Suggestions
The French Connection is a natural after-dinner drink, but it pairs beautifully with food too. Here are a few ideas to elevate your sipping experience:
- Dark chocolate desserts: The rich, velvety flavors of chocolate highlight the nutty sweetness of the cocktail.
- Aged cheeses: Think sharp cheddar, Gouda, or even blue cheese to balance the drink’s sweetness with something savory.
- Spiced nuts: Their warm, toasty flavors mirror the almond notes in the Amaretto perfectly.
Whenever I serve this, I like to lay out a little cheese board and a bowl of spiced nuts—it’s an instant hit.
Make-Ahead Notes
If you’re entertaining, you can pre-mix the Cognac and Amaretto in the correct ratio and store it in a sealed bottle in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just pour the mixture over ice and stir. Don’t add ice to the pre-mix—it’ll water down the flavors.
Variations to Try
Want to change things up? Here are a few fun twists on the classic French Connection:
Spiced Connection
- Ingredients: Cognac, spiced Amaretto, cinnamon stick
- How to make it: Use a spiced version of Amaretto and garnish with a cinnamon stick. It’s perfect for cozy nights by the fire.
Southern Connection
- Ingredients: Bourbon, Amaretto, lemon twist
- How to make it: Replace the Cognac with Bourbon and garnish with a lemon twist for a bright, Southern-inspired variation.
Italian Connection
- Ingredients: Cognac, Disaronno, orange bitters
- How to make it: Swap in Disaronno (a premium Amaretto) and add a dash of orange bitters for a slightly more complex flavor profile.
Virgin French Connection
- Ingredients: Almond syrup, lemon juice
- How to make it: Combine almond syrup with a splash of lemon juice over ice for a non-alcoholic version that still delivers on flavor.
Common Questions
What’s the best time to enjoy a French Connection?
It’s versatile! This drink shines as an after-dinner treat but is equally lovely as a relaxed evening sipper.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Absolutely. Just keep the Cognac-to-Amaretto ratio the same (3:2) and mix everything in a pitcher. Serve it over ice when ready.
Do I really need to stir the drink?
Yes, but gently! Stirring blends the flavors without watering the drink down too much.
What garnish works best?
An orange twist adds a citrusy aroma, while a cherry gives a pop of color. Either one works beautifully.
Wrap-Up
The French Connection is proof that sometimes the simplest things are the best. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting friends, this cocktail delivers elegance and comfort in every sip. So grab your Cognac, your Amaretto, and your favorite glass, and toast to good taste!
