French Connection
Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 30.6% ABV ∙
The French Connection is a two-ingredient spirit-forward cocktail of equal parts Cognac and amaretto, built over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Cognac's grape-brandy warmth carries an almond-sweet amaretto undertone, the two blurring into one another for a slow, sipping nightcap.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour all ingredients: Cognac 35 mlAmaretto liqueur 35 ml directly into the old fashioned glass filled with ice cubes
- Stir gently
- Strain into the ice-filled glass
Tips
- Pre-chill the glass before building so the ice doesn't start melting the moment the Cognac and amaretto hit it.
- Use a good-quality Cognac; with only two ingredients and no citrus or syrup to hide behind, its character carries the whole drink.
- Stir gently and briefly — this build is meant to stay strong and only lightly diluted, not chilled down like a spirit-forward stirred drink.
History
The French Connection is a simple two-ingredient highball of cognac and amaretto that emerged in the 1970s, taking its name from the 1971 crime film The French Connection starring Gene Hackman. No specific bartender or bar is credited with creating it, and its exact origin is not documented; it is generally described as one of several movie-named after-dinner sippers that became popular in that decade. It is closely related to the Godfather, a similarly named drink from the same era that swaps in whisky for the base spirit while keeping the same amaretto pairing.
FAQ
What is in a French Connection cocktail?
Equal parts Cognac and amaretto liqueur, built over ice in an old-fashioned glass and stirred gently. It is a simple two-ingredient drink at around 30.6% ABV, and it is vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free.
Is a French Connection similar to a Godfather?
Yes, the two are close relatives built the same way. A Godfather is Scotch whisky and amaretto over ice, while the French Connection swaps in Cognac for the base spirit, giving a fruitier, grape-brandy character instead of the whisky's grain and smoke.
Is the French Connection a strong drink?
Yes, it is a fairly strong drink at about 30.6% ABV, since it is built from equal parts Cognac and amaretto with no mixer to cut them. The ice it's served over dilutes it only gradually as you sip.
Is a French Connection easy to make at home?
Yes, it is one of the simplest cocktails to make at home. It needs only Cognac and amaretto liqueur poured over ice in an old-fashioned glass and stirred gently, with no shaking, straining tools, or fresh juice required.
What is the liqueur in the French Connection?
Amaretto, an almond-flavored Italian liqueur, is the liqueur used in the French Connection. It is paired in equal parts with Cognac and built over ice rather than shaken.
