Cocktail Quiz NO.008

Brandy and chartreuse in my mix, named after a famous boulevard, with a classic citrus touch. Which cocktail am I?

Reveal of 008 Quiz: Champs-Élysées

Champs-Élysées is a classic cocktail originating from the famous boulevard in Paris, France. It first appeared in 1925, introduced by Nina Toye and Arthur H. Adair in their book Drinks-Long and Short. The recipe is similar to a Sidecar but offers a richer flavor profile. The cocktail is primarily made with brandy, Chartreuse, sweetened lemon juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters, delivering a blend of vanilla and herbal notes, symbolizing French elegance and luxury.

Mixing Insights:

The key difference between the Champs-Élysées and the Sidecar is the substitution of the citrus liqueur with Green Chartreuse, along with a combination of sweet and sour elements. This requires a more vigorous shaking technique to achieve a balance between acidity and sweetness. The right temperature also helps mellow the intensity of the Chartreuse, highlighting its rich spice layers. Proper shaking ensures a well-integrated blend of brandy and Chartreuse, with the Angostura bitters adding a final touch that pierces through all the flavors, directly hitting your taste buds.