The Bar Journal

Christina Monaco, Brand Ambassador of Italicus in France advised where to go and what to drink in the most romantic city of the world, Paris.

What do you think about the cocktail scene of France and how changed in the last 5 years?

The Parisian cocktail scene had a drastic evolution since the last 5 years, indeed there is, first of all, a boom of new openings with different concepts focusing on music, art, or typical concepts like 100{779800b323ee42e5ed999e502e0319b1817165bd3ddf64ca8ef6f651c78cdacf} French Spirits or Mediterranean inspiration. 

It’s now about creating an individual independent identity around cocktails, exit the « negroni type of cocktail bar » or « the cocktails for bartender » we can now enjoy cool drinks, simple efficient and with real character, not only around trendy spirits but enhancing French terroir. 

Sustainability has a massive impact on cocktails, optimize fruits and vegetable use the entire resource with fermentation or a commune work with kitchen and bar, then what we call « Shake local » sourcing products from the area, within a matter of avoiding massive big brands or utilise ingredients like « verjus » from the region of Cognac leaving on the side the 99 cents lime.

Regarding drinks, the evolution is tending on low abv ( Spritz is now the #1 cocktail ) or spirits and mixers ( Mules). Tonic is one of the ingredients that is now a must-have in many flavors due to our proximity with Belgium and Spain influencer in terms of Gin consumption

Evolution is constant, bar, bartenders and cocktails are now offering a mindful way of drinking and still looking forward to the next step in terms of innovation and creativity 

What are the best bars where to sip an Italicus cocktail?   

Le Calbar Paris

Cocktail name: Dope as F***

• Grapefruit Infused Vodka 4 CL
• Italicus 2 CL
• Lime 1 CL
• Cranberry 2CL
• Black Tea Foam Topping 
• Timuth Pepper Garnish

Inspiration: The Calbar is hosting lots of different types of palates, the Parisian customers love to feel like they are drinking a classic with a Twist, Cosmopolitan is one of the most popular cocktails in France, this version is peppery, citrusy and refreshing.

Cafe moderne Paris

Cocktail name: Sweet Mediterranean Balad

• 4cl Italicus
• 2cl Fino Sherry
• 1cl Oloroso sherry
• 1cl Verjus
• 1barspoon Olive Brine

Inspiration: Art of Italicus France Winner Melissa Coutant is sharing her inspiration around a low ABV drink with Mediterranean ingredients, smooth, sweet and complete with a large Olive symbol of Aperitivo, then verjus is getting more trendy as fits cocktails as we are living in the homeland of grapes and wines.

L’Officine Lyon

Cocktail name: Le Grand Monaco

• Italicus 1,5 CL
• Gin 4,5 CL
• Hibiscus 1,5 CL
• Lemon 2,5 CL
• Complete with Champagne on top

Inspiration: Monaco is a classic Aperitivo in France composed of Beer, Lemonade and Grenadine syrup, Marc Bonneton version is more luxury adding Champagne, Italicus and fresh component such as hibiscus, botanical Gin, the perfect aperitif.

Salute!

ALL EDITORIAL AND IMAGERY ON www.italspirits.com IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED BY ITALSPIRITS LTD