Ingredients
- 1 oz Cognac
- 1 oz Gold Rum
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 tsp apricot jam
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Measuring Jigger
- Strainer
- Old Fashioned Glass
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Stir some ice into your old fashioned glass.
- Add Apricot Jam: Add 1 tsp apricot jam to the shaker.
- Add Syrups: Pour in ½ oz honey syrup and ½ oz simple syrup.
- Add Lemon Juice: Add ½ oz fresh lemon juice to the mix.
- Add Gold Rum: Measure and pour 1 oz Gold Rum into the shaker.
- Add Cognac: Pour 1 oz Cognac into the shaker.
- Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into your old fashioned glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Cognac: If you don't have cognac, opt for any other wine brandy, they will offer a similar flavor profile.
- Gold Rum: White rum can work if you're out of gold rum, though it will be lighter in flavor.
- Honey Syrup: You can use agave syrup instead of honey syrup for a different sweetness level and texture.
- Simple Syrup: Maple syrup can be an exciting alternative to simple syrup, adding a unique flavor twist.
- Apricot Jam: Peach jam or even orange marmalade can replace apricot jam if needed.
Making a Pitcher of French Riviera Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of cognac, 8 oz of gold rum, 4 oz of fresh lemon juice, 4 oz of honey syrup, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 8 tsp of apricot jam.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the cognac, gold rum, lemon juice, honey syrup, simple syrup, and apricot jam. Stir well until the jam is fully dissolved.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled old fashioned, garnish with lemon twists, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Cognac Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic the brandy's depth.
- Gold Rum Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic rum alternative.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Honey Syrup Substitute: Replace honey syrup with agave or maple syrup to make this cocktail vegan-friendly.
- Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using agave or maple syrup instead of honey syrup and make sure your simple syrup is made with vegan-friendly sugar to enjoy a vegan version of this delightful cocktail.
What is a French Riviera Cocktail?
A French Riviera Cocktail is a Cognac and Rum-based drink made of cognac, gold rum, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, simple syrup, and apricot jam. It’s easy to make because the ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation steps are straightforward. This cocktail offers an elegant blend of flavors that balance sweetness with citrusy notes for a sophisticated drinking experience.
What is a French Riviera Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Collect these ingredients to create a French Riviera Cocktail:
- Cognac: Adds depth and richness to the cocktail.
- Gold Rum: Brings a smooth, sweet flavor that complements the cognac.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides a refreshing citrusy tang.
- Honey Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of floral notes.
- Simple Syrup: Balances the tartness of the lemon juice with additional sweetness.
- Apricot Jam: Introduces a fruity element and enhances the overall texture.




















