The not-too-sweet, peachy-pink cocktail that happens to be Taylor Swift’s favourite.
About the cocktail
It’s only right that the most famous blonde in the world right now would have a favourite cocktail named the French Blonde (coincidence, we think not). And if you don’t know who we’re talking about, we’re sure there are a few million 11 to 32-year-olds who’d be happy to (aggressively) remind you. We’re talking, of course, about Travis Kelce’s girlfriend (kidding, Swifties – we don't want any ‘Bad Blood’) Taylor Swift. And, to be fair, we don’t blame her. This peachy-pink little number is the perfect mix of grapefruit juice, Lillet Blanc, elderflower liqueur and gin. It’s sweet, it's fruity and it’s oh-so-pretty – much like America’s sweetheart, Miss Swift. But how do we know it’s her fave? Well, according to Page Six’s gossip column, she was seen drinking them in a Kansas City restaurant with her girlfriends, and if the journalistic integrity of Page Six says it's true, then it must be. Aside from the dry gin base, the hero ingredients of the French Blonde are the Lillet Blanc and elderflower liqueur (the most common being St-Germain). If you’ve been as addicted to TikTok as we have, you will have seen a lot of elderflower in things like the Hugo Spritz (AKA Elderflower Spritz) – a massive TikTok trend. But what is the mysterious golden aperitif Lillet Blanc? Essentially, it's a wine-based alcohol – about 85% semillon and sauv blanc and 15% fruit liqueur. Mostly oranges and quinine macerated in brandy. It’s not overly bitter, nor is it overtly sweet, but straddles the middle quite nicely (much like Taylor Swift’s music). In our cocktail, it gives a nice dry, honeyed, fruity touch that meshes well with the sour sweetness of the grapefruit and the floral notes of the elderflower. Though the French Blonde has been banging around since 1902, its rise to (somewhat) fame peaked in 2011 when it was published in Saveur magazine – that is until now. Tay’s fave or not, we reckon it’s a perfect pre-dinner or (pre-show) aperitif-styled drink. If you’re keen to give ol’ Swifty’s drink of choice a go, simply add all your ingredients plus a good handful of ice to a cocktail shaker and “baby, (I'm just gonna) shake, shake, shake, shake, shake” (see what we did there?). Double strain into a Nick and Nora or coupe glass and garnish with a curly grapefruit rind and sprig of rosemary. If you’re feeling a little experimental, you could serve it tall like a Tom Collins with ice and soda water, or in a lovely wine glass with ice and prosecco (fancy) as a Spritz. And there you have it, Tay-Tay’s fave drink. Give it a crack and a shake, shake, shake, shake (overkill? Maybe. Iconic? Always).
Ingredients
60mL fresh grapefruit juice
60mL Lillet Blanc 30mL dry gin 15mL elderflower liqueur 3 dashes lemon bitters Glass: Nick and Nora or coupe glass Garnish: grapefruit rind and rosemary sprig (optional)
Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice
Shake vigorously to chill and dilute, at least 30 seconds Double strain into a Nick and Nora or coupe glass, put on some Tay-Tay, and serve
Dan’s top tips
Much like all our fine-strained drinks, we need to make sure the glass is as cold as possible, so prior to the shaking (and dancing) chuck it in the freezer so it’s lovely and frosted. Next, we have to prepare our garnish. Pith (the white stuff on the inside of your grapefruit skin) is harmless, but fairly bitter, so try to scrape off as much as possible before chucking it in your French Blonde. Experiment with different garnishes – lemon and edible flowers would be excellent, too. Lastly, if you’re not a big fan of gin, you can sub it out for vodka and it will still taste great. Cheers and happy Eras (for all those who celebrate).
