There’s something effortlessly elegant about a French Kiss cocktail. Light, fruity, and just the right amount of bubbly, it’s one of those drinks that feels like a celebration in a glass. I’ve made this drink countless times—especially when I want something that looks fancy but is super simple to mix up. Whether you’re toasting a special moment or just winding down on a warm evening, this cocktail never misses.
French Kiss
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Champagne flute or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Chambord (or another raspberry liqueur)
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice (fresh if you can)
– Champagne or sparkling wine, to top
– Ice
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Method
- Start by chilling your glass in the freezer—this helps keep the drink crisp and refreshing.
- In a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice, vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice.
- Shake it up well for about 15 seconds—you’re looking for the outside of the shaker to feel nice and cold.
- Strain the mixture into your chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Top gently with champagne or sparkling wine. Pour slowly so you don’t lose too many bubbles.
- Twist a strip of lemon peel over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh pineapple juice if you can—it makes the drink brighter and less syrupy.
– Don’t shake the champagne! Always add it last and stir gently to keep it fizzy.
– Want to prep ahead? Mix the vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice and store it in the fridge. Just shake with ice and top with champagne when ready to serve.
– If you find it too sweet, try using a drier champagne or cutting back slightly on the pineapple juice.
Substitutions
– No Chambord? Use another raspberry liqueur or even crème de cassis for a darker, richer flavor.
– Vodka can be swapped for gin if you like a more botanical edge.
– Don’t have champagne? Prosecco or any dry sparkling wine works just fine.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with light bites. Here are a few of my go-to options:
Cheese Board
Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese contrast nicely with the fruity notes of the drink. Add a few berries and crackers, and you’ve got a perfect match.
Seafood
Shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, or seared scallops keep things light and fresh, echoing the elegance of the drink.
Fresh Fruit
Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or pineapple chunks bring out the flavors in the cocktail—and look gorgeous on the table too.
Make It Your Own
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner twists: the French Kiss Royale. It’s the same base recipe, but I add a splash of crème de cassis before the champagne. It gives the drink a deeper color and a richer berry flavor—perfect for a cozy night in.
Variations
French Kiss Royale
– Add a splash (about 0.25 oz / 7 ml) of crème de cassis before topping with champagne.
French Kiss Mojito
– Muddle 4–5 mint leaves in the shaker with the vodka and Chambord. Skip the champagne and top with soda water for a refreshing, minty twist.
French Kiss Martini
– Skip the champagne. Shake vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice with ice, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or fresh raspberry.
Virgin French Kiss
– Use sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine in place of the champagne.
– Skip the vodka and use a splash of raspberry syrup or berry juice instead of Chambord.
Storage Notes
You can mix the vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick shake with ice before serving and add the champagne fresh to keep things bubbly.
Common Questions
Can I make a batch for a party?
Absolutely! Multiply the base ingredients (vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice) by the number of servings. Store in the fridge and pour into glasses when ready. Top each with champagne just before serving.
What if I don’t like it too sweet?
Use less pineapple juice or switch to a dry sparkling wine to balance the sweetness.
What glass should I use?
A champagne flute is classic, but a coupe glass works too. Both help preserve the bubbles and showcase the drink’s color.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, but look for one that’s not from concentrate and has no added sugar. Fresh will always taste best, though.
What’s the best champagne to use?
You don’t need anything too fancy. A dry (brut) sparkling wine or prosecco does the trick and keeps things affordable.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends—easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and just feels special. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, the French Kiss is one of those drinks that never disappoints.
Cheers to good sips and great company.
