What ingredients are in a French Connection?

1 1/2 oz Cognac, 3/4 oz Amaretto

What glass do you use for a French Connection?

A French Connection is traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned-Glas.

How strong is a French Connection?

A French Connection has an estimated ABV of 28,08%.

How many calories are in a French Connection?

A French Connection contains approximately 174 calories per serving.

What is in a French Connection cocktail?

The French Connection is a two-ingredient cocktail combining equal parts cognac and amaretto liqueur. It is listed as an IBA Contemporary Classic and is typically served on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass, allowing the warmth of the cognac to complement the sweet almond notes of the amaretto.

Where does the French Connection get its name?

The cocktail takes its name from the 1971 American crime film The French Connection, which was set partly in France and involved a drug smuggling operation. The name plays on the combination of cognac, a quintessentially French spirit, with amaretto, which has Italian origins, creating an international 'connection' in the glass.

What ABV can I expect from a French Connection?

The French Connection typically delivers an ABV of around 25–30% when made with equal parts standard cognac (40% ABV) and amaretto (around 28%). Since it is served over ice with no dilution from mixers, it remains a relatively strong, sip-worthy drink intended to be enjoyed slowly.

Two spirits and nothing else compose the French Connection: cognac stirred with amaretto over ice in an old-fashioned glass. The grape brandy supplies oak, dried-fruit depth, and structure, while the almond liqueur layers a sweet, nutty warmth across it, the pairing requiring neither shaking nor straining. The International Bartenders Association lists the drink among its Contemporary Classics, and at roughly 28 percent alcohol by volume it remains decidedly spirit-forward. Its simplicity is part of its character — a built drink that depends entirely on the quality and complementary nature of its two components rather than on technique or dilution.

French Connection

Glas Old-Fashioned-Glas

Schwierigkeitsgrad Easy

Kalorien ~174 kcal

ABV 28,08%

Zutaten

Cognac 1 1/2 oz
Amaretto 3/4 oz

Anweisungen

Pour all ingredients directly into old fashioned glass filled with ice cubes. Stir gently.

IBA ContemporaryClassic

Der French Connection ist ein IBA Contemporary Classic, der Cognac mit Amaretto im Old-Fashioned-Glas über Eis verbindet und so einen weichen, spirituosenbetonten Drink mit Brandy-Tiefe und mandelsüßer Note ergibt. Die beiden Spirituosen ergänzen sich auf natürliche Weise — der Traubenbrand liefert Eiche und Trockenfrucht-Komplexität, während der Amaretto eine süße, nussige Wärme beisteuert. Er benötigt weder Schütteln noch Abseihen.

History & Origins

The French Connection was created in the 1970s and takes its name from the 1971 Gene Hackman film of the same name. It was recognized by the International Bartenders Association as a Contemporary Classic, reflecting its widespread adoption across the cocktail world. Its creator is generally unattributed.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: cognac's dried fruit, vanilla, and oak with the sweet almond and apricot character of amaretto. Palate: smooth and rich with brandy depth up front, gradually yielding to the sweet, marzipan-like warmth of the amaretto. Finish: long, warm, and gently sweet with lingering brandy oak and almond.

cognac almond dried fruit smooth sweet

Pro Tip

Use a VSOP or XO cognac for the best expression of this simple build — the quality of the brandy is fully exposed with no mixers to conceal it.

Verwendete Techniken

Direkt im Glas mischen

Data verified September 2017

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