The French Connection is celebrated as one of the greatest films in cinema history, earning five Academy Awards and a lasting place in popular culture. However, this isn’t about a gritty crime drama, our focus is on a different French connection. This story revolves around bourbon, the city of Louisville, and the art of crafting cocktails.
Founded in 1780 at the Falls of the Ohio River, Louisville was named in honor of King Louis XVI of France, whose support was instrumental to the American cause during the Revolutionary War. The city’s rich history and French ties extend beyond its name. Bourbon, the iconic spirit of Kentucky, shares the stage with French liqueurs that have added sophistication and flair to cocktail culture.
Louis XVI himself had a fondness for French raspberry liqueur, such as Chambord, crafted in the Loire Valley and renowned for its rich, fruity elegance. A century later, the French gifted the world yet another classic: Grand Marnier, an orange-flavored liqueur with a luxurious blend of bitter orange and fine cognac.
These ingredients, Bourbon, Chambord, and Grand Marnier, were destined to unite, creating a cocktail that’s as refined as it is flavorful. Together, they pay homage to Louisville’s heritage and its enduring connection to France, a French Connection of a different sort, served in a glass.
Creation of the French Connection
Development of this recipe required alternating wheated and rye bourbons, ratios of spirit and liqueurs, syrups, infusions and juices. Ultimately by unanimous agreement of my tasting panel, they selected original Maker’s Mark as the base spirit. I wasn’t surprised, because it was also my favorite, but I’m biased because there’s a distant family connection that you can read about Here.
Cheers!
PrintFrench Connection
Wheated Bourbon, Chambord, Grand Marnier, Kentucky clover orange honey syrup and lemon married to perfection
Ingredients
- 1–3/4 oz original Maker’s Mark
- 1/2 oz Chambord
- 1/2 oz Grand Marnier
- 1/2 oz Kentucky Clover orange honey syrup
- 1/4 oz lemon juice
- Lemon Peel garnish
Instructions
Kentucky Clover Honey Orange Syrup
- Mix the syrup in a small pot with 1 cup Kentucky clover honey, 1 cup water and 1 TBL grand marnier
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer, stir until the honey and liqueur is integrated and reduced by 10-15%. Cool, reserve in a swing top bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.
French Connection
- Combine all ingredients over ice in a shaker and shake until combined and chilled
- Pour over ice in a double rocks glass
- Rub the lemon peel around the rim, twist and express the oils over the top and garnish