Cooking Lesson #991: The Super Bowl French Blonde Cocktail

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

credit: bacardi

How you doin’? Okay, here’s the truth. I have a thing for Taylor Swift—yes, I am a “Swiftie! But I can’t root for her beau at Kansas City this weekend. I’m hoping that Philly will be able to dethrone the Chiefs—no threepeats for me.
 
Her taste in football teams may not be to my taste, but I do recommend a Taylor Swift cocktail favorite. If you’re one of her adoring fans wanting to blend their love for her music with unique drinks, here is one that hits the mark.
My French Blonde (yes, I know she not French) reflects Taylor’s hits, offering both vibrant, fruity options and sophisticated tastes combined to make a great Super Bowl cocktail.
 
The French Blonde is perfect for themed parties or stylish gatherings, infusing Taylor’s spirit into every sip. I love serving these because they always get people talking and smiling, celebrating her music in a fun, tasty way while rooting for the Eagles.
 
The French Blonde is a cocktail that tastes great for its blend of flavors. Mixing elderflower liqueur with dry gin, Lillet Blanc, and fresh grapefruit juice, topped off with lemon bitters—creating a refreshingly delicious drink. It’s the balance of floral and citrus notes that makes it a Swift favorite. The elder flower adds a subtle sweetness that complements the gin’s botanicals, while the grapefruit juice brings a vibrant acidity, making each sip a pure delight. For a drink that impresses, try my recipe.
 
And if this all too frou-frou for you… there’s always Dreams and Nightmares Pale Lager from Free Will Brewing if you’re an Eagles fan and a Bud Light if you’re a Chiefs fan.
 
Prep time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 serving
 
Ingredients
1 ounce dry gin (my preference is for Hendrick’s)
2 ounces Lillet Blanc
1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur (there is no substitute for St. Germain)
2 ounces grapefruit juice
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
A few dashes of lemon bitters
Lemon peel and grapefruit wedge for garnish
 
Directions

1. Chill a coupe cocktail glass by filling it with ice water and setting it aside while you prepare the cocktail.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the dry gin, Lillet Blanc, elderflower liqueur and fresh grapefruit juice.
3. Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds or until the outside of the shaker feels cold to the touch.
5. Discard the ice water from the chilled glass.
6. Shake a few dashes of lemon bitters directly into the chilled glass. This will add a layer of complexity to your cocktail.
7. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
8. For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing with a twist of lemon peel or a thin slice of grapefruit.
9. Your French Blonde is ready to be enjoyed. Sip and savor the harmonious blend of flavors.

ChefSecret:  There’s no substitute for St. Germain Elderberry liquor, plus it’s a neat bottle to dress up your back bar.

Quip of the Day:  Q. How does Taylor Swift make a cocktail? A. She shakes it off, shakes it off!------------------------------------------
Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide.
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                                                                             ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2025 

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