Champs-Élysées Cocktail

The Champs-Élysées is a sophisticated classic cocktail that masterfully combines the rich, fruity notes of brandy with the complex herbal character of Green Chartreuse. Brightened by fresh lemon juice and lightly sweetened, the drink is given a final touch of aromatic depth with Angostura bitters. It is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors, resulting in a truly memorable and refined drinking experience.
Champs-Élysées Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This is a classic cocktail that falls into the sour category due to its use of citrus. It's an elegant, brandy-based drink that has been enjoyed since the pre-Prohibition era, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

Serving

Served 'up' in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, this is a refined, spirit-forward drink with a moderate alcohol content. Chilling the glass is essential to maintain its crisp, cool temperature.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml (4 oz) before dilution
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The recipe for the Champs-Élysées first appeared in Harry Craddock's influential 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book". It is named after the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. The drink's ingredients, particularly French brandy and Chartreuse, pay homage to its Gallic inspiration, evoking the style and elegance of Parisian café society in the early 20th century.
Origin
The cocktail's first known publication was in London, England, in 1930, but it is named after and inspired by Paris, France. Its creation is generally attributed to the 1920s.

Champs-Élysées Cocktail

The drink is primarily known as the Champs-Élysées Cocktail, named after the famous Parisian avenue. The name evokes a sense of French elegance and sophistication. Some spellings omit the diacritical marks for simplicity.
Original name
Champs-Élysées
Alternative name
Champs-Elysees Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex herbal and citrus aroma, leading to a flavor profile that balances the tartness of lemon with the fruity depth of brandy and the intricate notes of Chartreuse. The texture is smooth and silky, finishing with a pleasantly warming and herbal aftertaste.
Flavor
Complex, Herbal, Fruity, Tart, Spicy, Brandy, Lemon, Anise
Aroma
Aromatic, Herbal, Citrus, Oak, Spice
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet, Herbal
Aftertaste
Lingering, Complex, Warming, Herbal
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Golden-yellow, Light amber, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a pronounced flavor intensity, led by a bright sourness and rich fruitiness. It is moderately sweet with a noticeable herbal spiciness and alcoholic warmth, creating a well-balanced and complex profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a quality brandy or Cognac, the essential Green Chartreuse liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. Simple syrup for sweetness and a dash of Angostura bitters for complexity complete the recipe.
  • Brandy (Cognac recommended)45 ml (1.5 oz)
    A good quality VS or VSOP Cognac works exceptionally well, providing a smooth and fruity base.
  • Green Chartreuse15 ml (0.5 oz)
    This potent, herbal liqueur is essential for the cocktail's signature flavor profile.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml (0.75 oz)
    Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best flavor and balance.
  • Simple Syrup7.5 ml (0.25 oz)
    A 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your brandy and tartness of your lemon.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters1 dash
    Adds a layer of aromatic spice that ties the other ingredients together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set and a jigger for accurate measurements. Using a fine-mesh strainer is recommended to ensure a silky-smooth texture free of ice chips.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double straining
  • Citrus juicer for fresh juice

Instructions

The preparation involves chilling a coupe glass, shaking all ingredients vigorously with ice, and then double-straining into the glass. The final touch is expressing a lemon twist over the drink for aroma before garnishing.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Add all ingredients—brandy, Green Chartreuse, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters—to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice until it is about two-thirds full.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into your pre-chilled coupe glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink, and squeeze it to express the citrus oils onto the surface of the cocktail.
7. Garnish with the lemon twist and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish. Expressing the lemon oils over the surface of the drink before garnishing adds a bright, aromatic citrus note that enhances the first sip.
  • Lemon twist, express the oils over the drink and place it on the rim or in the glass

Dietary Information

This cocktail is suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences as it is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. It is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to more fruit-heavy or creamy cocktails.
Calories
Averagely 200-230 kcal (837-962 kJ)
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for sophisticated occasions, serving beautifully as an aperitif before a fine meal. Its elegant character makes it a great choice for cocktail parties or any event where a touch of classic style is desired.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink (Aperitif)
  • Sophisticated Gatherings
  • Celebratory Toast

Pairing suggestions

The Champs-Élysées pairs wonderfully with savory and rich appetizers. Its acidity and herbal complexity cut through the richness of cheeses, charcuterie, and pâté, while complementing the flavor of roasted nuts.
  • Rich cheeses like Gruyère or Comté
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Duck pâté
  • Roasted nuts

The Champs-Élysées Cocktail: Parisian Elegance in a Glass

The Champs-Élysées is a hidden gem from the golden age of cocktails. It offers a perfect demonstration of how a few well-chosen ingredients can create a drink with immense complexity and balance. The interplay between the rich brandy, potent Green Chartreuse, and bright lemon is simply exquisite. It's a must-try for any fan of classic sours like the Sidecar who is looking for something with a more pronounced herbal character.

Similar Cocktails

Sidecar

The quintessential brandy sour. It uses Cointreau instead of Green Chartreuse and typically has a sugared rim, making it less herbal and more orange-forward.

Brandy Crusta

A precursor to the Sidecar, featuring brandy, curaçao, and maraschino liqueur. It's known for its elaborate full-lemon-peel garnish and sugared rim.

The Last Word

While gin-based, it shares the use of Green Chartreuse and citrus (lime instead of lemon) in equal parts with Maraschino liqueur, offering a similarly complex herbal and tart profile.

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