French Blonde
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Okay—how have I never made a French Blonde cocktail before this!? This was my first time trying the cocktail that’s been having a major moment lately (yes, partially thanks to the Taylor Swift effect), and wow… the hype is real.
It’s light, floral, citrusy, and so effortlessly elegant. Basically, this is the perfect spring cocktail. Serve it for Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, a backyard happy hour, or your next girl’s night in. It’s giving bougie but breezy—and I’m obsessed.
If you haven’t made one yet, consider this your sign. Let’s shake it up!
What Is a French Blonde Cocktail?
The French Blonde cocktail is a modern classic with a few variations floating around, but the core ingredients typically include gin, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and a dash of bitters. It’s floral, citrusy, and crisp—like a French 75’s chic cousin who wears linen and smells like lemon blossoms.
How to Make a French Blonde Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker add gin, elderflower liqueur, Lillet blanc, grapefruit juice, and lemon bitters.
- Add ice and shake
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice!
French Blonde Ingredients
Gin
Gin is one of my favorite spirits of all time. It’s infused with strong botanicals like juniper that gives it a unique flavor compared to other liquors. Check out my Gin Guide for tips and bottle recommendations.
Elderflower Liqueur
Elderflower liqueur is sweet and floral, making it the perfect liqueur to pair with both rosé and watermelon. I usually buy St. Germain.
Lillet Blanc
There are three types of Lillet (a wine-based liqueur), but you’ll want to use Lillet blanc for this recipe. It has a bright, floral, citrusy flavor and is used widely in a Lillet Spritz. If you don’t have Lillet blance, try Cocchi Americano or a dry white vermouth in a pinch.
Grapefruit Juice
If it’s not fresh squeezed, we don’t want it! Try pink grapefruit juice for a sweeter, slightly mellower flavor.
Bitters
There are so many types of bitters out there and they really take a cocktail up a few notches. For a classic French Blonde cocktail, use lemon bitters. Orange or grapefruit bitters would work, too.
Tips for Making the Best French Blonde Cocktail
- Always always always use fresh squeezed fruit juice. Fresh grapefruit makes a huge difference.
- Shake it vigorously with ice until the shaker gets frosty on the outside. That’s when you know it’s good and cold.
- Use a really good gin with bold botanicals to stand up to the strong elderflower, grapefruit, and Lillet flavors.
- Batch it! Multiply the ingredients and chill in a pitcher (hold the ice until ready to serve). Shake per glass and garnish.
- Top with a splash of Prosecco for a sparkling brunch version.
Why You’ll Love a French Blonde Cocktail
- Perfect for spring + summer – Fresh grapefruit and elderflower are seasonal stars.
- Low effort, high impact – It looks and tastes fancy, but it’s easy to make.
- Great for brunch – Refreshing and light enough to sip before noon.
- Balanced and beautiful – Not too sweet, not too strong… just right.
French Blonde
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 oz @lillet.usa blanc
- 1 oz gin I used @beefeatergin
- 1/2 oz @giffardusa elderflower liqueur
- 3 dashes lemon @scrappysbitters
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients
- Add ice and shake
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice!
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It truly is a Spring forward cocktail.
I made a batch and enjoyed it with my friends.
Will 100% make again.