What to order on a Parisian terrace this summer // 2021 edition
Drink Menu
Sharing some of my favorites to order on a Parisian terrace :
Summer’s about to be upon us and the rumor on the street is terrasses will be allowed to open up here soon. All around Paris, restaurants are dusting off the tables, changing the linens, and giving their currently shuttered spaces a once over in preparation for the grand partial opening.
So, what do you fancy during the summer? What are your go-to drinks? Looking for something different? I’ve put together a list of 7 drinks to try this summer on your favorite Parisian terrasse.
Diabolo Menthe
Lemonade with mint or grenadine syrup (non-alcoholic) Became popular in the 1920s in France, this drink is a staple among the Parisians who frequent patios. This drink is particularly a favorite among younger children. Other flavors include, strawberry, lemon or black currant.
Recipe :
- 1 OZ syrup : grenadine, mint, or any other flavored syrup.
- Lemonade (either sparkling, I highly recommend this, or flat).
- Ice cubes, optional.
Grab your favorite glass and place some ice cubes in it. Add the syrup and top off with lemonade . It’s that simple.
Monaco
This is a variation of the Diabolo Menthe, but with beer and grenadine instead of mint.
- 1 OZ grenadine syrup.
- 2 OZ lemonade.
- 6 OZ beer, lager.
You do not need ice cubes for this recipe, unless you want them. It is best to build your cocktail in the following order : beer, lemonade, grenadine.
Aperol Spritz
A spritz is simply a drink that contains a splash of water. This term comes from the Germans because they foudn the Italian wines too strong and started asking for some water to water it down.
Aperol entered the scene in the early 1900s and is inspired by the French term for apéritif: apéro. The original recipe took 7 years to perfect ! This is the drink to enjoy en terrasse during a hot summer day; it is the perfect pre-dinner cocktail.
Recipe :
- 2 parts Aperol
- 2 parts Prosecco (or any sparkling wine)
- 1 part soda water.
Mix all ingredients and pour over ice in a wine glass (this is extremely key). Garnish with an orange wheel and enjoy ! I guarantee you won’t just stop at one.
Perrier Menthe
Bubbly water with flavored syrup (non-alcoholic). The non-alcoholic version of the Get 27. It’s extremely similar to the Diabolo, except made with bubbly water instead of lemonade. This is also another classic drink that younger Parisians order. It is typically made with mint syrup, but you can do grenadine, strawberry, currant, or any other flavor the bar may have.
Recipe :
- 1 OZ of mint syrup
- 7 to 9 OZ of Perrier water (or if you prefer another brand, as long as it is sparkling water).
Put ice cubes in glass and pour syrup over cubes and add your sparkling water. Sip and enjoy .
Rosé
You really can’t go wrong with a good glass of chilled rosé wine. A classic, you can turn into wine spritzer on a really hot day. But it will stand on its own with no help from other liquids. This is on my summer rotation of drinks on the patio. I am a fan of Grenache, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon rosés.
Recipe :
- One bottle of rosé, chilled.
Open bottle and pour into wine glass. Sip and enjoy.
Ricard
Also known as pastis or pastaga : usually found in the south, but also can be found elsewhere in the country. At the age of 23, Paul Ricard produces his famous “pastis of Marseille” recipe, which perfectly reproduces the flavour and purity of anise. Just add water and ice and you are good to go . It is a very particular flavor, heavy in the licorice side.
Recipe :
- 1 part Ricard.
- 5 to 7 parts water.
Place Ricard in glass, add water and ice cubes.
Milk of Marseille
This is a variation of the Ricard, with an added shot of grenadine.
- 1 dash grenadine syrup.
- 1 OZ Ricard pastis.
- 5 OZ water, cold.
Add the pastis to a glass over ice, dash in the grenadine and top off with water.
Panaché
Simply equal parts beer (lager) and lemonade. Are you seeing a lemonade trend here ? This is if you want something light that does not pack too much of a punch . It is the closest to a Shandy in the States, Radler in Germany, and Clara in Spain.
Recipe :
- Equal parts of lager and lemonade.
Do not serve over ice.
Picon Bière
Picon is a bittersweet aperitif that has been designed to be served with a pilsner or any other type of wheat beer. This is also like a Shandy because Picon’s foundation of flavors is orange. Typically seen around almost any and every Tabac in France. Classic.
Picon can be served with beer, white or sparkling wine, or tonic/soda water.
Recipe :
- 1 OZ Picon.
- 6 to 8 OZ of beer (or choice of beverage).
Adjust amount of either for your desired taste.
What have you loved ordering on your favorite patio/terrace ? Share your favorites below in the comments .
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