17 Famous French Drinks & Beverages to Try in France (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic)

I didn’t plan to drink my way through Paris, but the icy cold of February had other ideas. Within a day, I was hopping between cafés, sipping French drinks one glass at a time – partly for warmth, partly out of curiosity, and partly because Paris makes it far too easy to give in. All in the name of research, for this post, of course!

Some stops were tiny bistros with steamed-up windows; others were classic sidewalk tables with glowing heaters and a front-row view of a city that was dreary, freezing, and somehow still strikingly beautiful. Somewhere between a kir, a vin chaud, and a kind waiter insisting I try Pineau, I realised how many French drinks come with their own personality. Some are simple, some are bold, and some are utterly surprising.

So instead of a dreary list, here are 17 famous French drinks that genuinely stayed with me — whether because they warmed me up, caught me off guard, or made a grey winter day feel a little brighter.

I’ve also teamed up with a few fellow travel bloggers who’ve shared their own stories and stand-out drinks in this guide. Whether you’re visiting in the colder months or during the warmer stretch when Paris spills outdoors, at least one of these is worth trying. So, grab your glass and let’s cheers to that, Santé!

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If You Try Just Three Drinks…

Champagne: the ultimate French drink for something classic

What can I say, I love bubbly! It’s an easy win and a gentle introduction to France’s drinking culture. You can order it almost anywhere – from tiny neighbourhood cafés to the more polished spots – and it always feels like your day just lifted a little. Even if you’ve had Champagne before, having it in France is its own small pleasure.

Pineau des Charentes: for something unexpected

This one catches people off guard in the best way. It’s sweet, chilled, and somehow both simple and memorable. Most visitors don’t stumble across it unless someone introduces them to it, but once you try it, you understand why locals treat it like a quiet favourite.

Monaco — for something refreshing

A mix of beer, lemonade, and a dash of grenadine sounds a bit chaotic, but believe me, it’s surprisingly balanced and incredibly easy to drink. It’s one of those café staples you’ll notice everywhere once you know what it is – especially when the weather warms up and the terrace tables fill.

Popular French Wines

1. Bourgogne Wine (Burgundy Wines)

By Elisa from France Bucket List

The historical region of Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) produces some of the best French wines and in fact, some of the best in the world – and also some of the most expensive.

The main grape-varieties for Burgundy wines are the pinot-noir for the reds and the chardonnay for the whites.

Burgundy appellation wines are classified on three levels: AOC Grands Crus, AOC Villages, and AOC Régionales. The Grands Crus are the best Burgundy wines and also the most reputed. They represent 1% of the wine production in Burgundy.

You can learn more about the Grands Crus (and enjoy some tastings) by following the Route des Grands Crus. This is France’s most famous wine trail and also the oldest, which goes from Dijon to Beaune, covering a distance of around 80km.

Along the way, you can visit many wine producers but also historic sites related to the Burgundy wine. The Route des Grands Crus in Burgundy is best done by car, but you can also visit some of the sites by train or guided tours.

2. Champagne

By Elisa from World in Paris

Champagne is easily one of the most iconic French drinks – the kind of sparkling wine that can turn even an ordinary Tuesday into a small celebration. It’s what you reach for when there’s good news, a milestone worth marking, or simply when you want a moment to feel a little more special. But beyond the bubbles, there’s a whole world behind what makes Champagne… Champagne.

For starters, it’s fiercely protected. Real Champagne can only come from the historic Champagne region in north-eastern France, and producers follow strict rules around grape varieties and the traditional method. Anything made elsewhere — even the very best sparkling wines — simply isn’t allowed to share the name.

You’ll usually be handed a tall flute, but here’s the insider truth: flutes aren’t actually the best way to enjoy Champagne. They look elegant, sure, but they trap the aromas of the wine. Instead, most winemakers will quietly tell you that a regular tulip-shaped white wine glass is far better – it gives the wine space to open up, lets you actually smell the layers.

And yes, you’ll still spot someone shaking the bottle for dramatic effect, even though every Maison winemaker will visibly cringes everytime they see it happen.

The region itself is incredibly easy to visit. Sitting just east of Paris, it’s close enough that Champagne day trips from Paris are one of the most popular and effortless ways to experience the area. Most visitors split their time between Reims – the lively regional capital – and Épernay, home to some of the most famous cellars in the world.

Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne reads like a roll call of legendary producers: Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Nicolas Feuillatte, and more.

Many Maisons offer guided cellar tours where you wander through kilometres of chalk tunnels, learn about the craft, and finish with a tasting – the highlight, of course.

If the idea of sipping Champagne straight from the source appeals, this region is an easy, memorable addition to any French itinerary.

If you’re planning an evening out in Paris, sipping a glass of Champagne before exploring the city after dark feels perfectly French. I’ve put together a simple guide to the best things to do in Paris at Night if you want a few ideas.

3. Merlot Wine

By Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Merlot is one of those wines you’ve probably sipped many times without realising it. It’s both the grape and the wine, and while it’s made around the world, the most exceptional bottles come from the Bordeaux region, especially Saint-Emilion, home to some of France’s most sought-after reds.

Merlot is known for being soft, smooth, and incredibly approachable. Expect subtle notes of plum and dark cherries, with lower acidity that gives it that easy-drinking, velvety feel.

It’s also wonderfully versatile at the table. You can pair it with steak, lamb, hearty pastas, or stronger cheeses – it’s one of the safest reds to match with food.

While Merlot shines on its own, it also plays a major role in Bordeaux blends alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carmenère. And if you’re curious about the pinnacle of Merlot, Château Pétrus in Bordeaux produces the world’s most famous (and famously expensive) version.

Smooth, fruit-forward, and reliable, Merlot is a classic French red that’s always worth pouring.

4. Pineau

By Breanne from Family Camping Europe

Pineau des Charentes is a much-loved French fortified wine from – unsurprisingly – the Charente region of France. It’s made by blending fresh grape juice with Cognac (also from the same region), creating a sweet, aromatic drink that feels a little indulgent without being heavy. You’ll find bottles all over France, especially throughout Poitou-Charentes, but the most rewarding way to try it is still straight from a small local producer.

There’s a great bit of lore behind Pineau’s creation. The story goes that in the late 1500s, a winemaker accidentally poured grape must into a barrel he thought was empty… only it wasn’t. It still held Cognac. The barrel sat forgotten for years, and when it was finally opened, Pineau des Charentes was born.

You can drink Pineau on its own, use it in cocktails, or enjoy it as a sweet aperitif before dinner. It also pairs surprisingly well with desserts and richer dishes. For the best experience, serve it in a small sherry-style glass to really catch the aromas.

It’s a simple, delicious pleasure — and absolutely worth seeking out when you’re in France.

5. Provence Rosé – Good French Wine

By Nadine from Le Long Weekend

While there are plenty of wine varieties across the South of France, there is one that instantly comes to mind when you think of Provence. Rosé dominates the region, making up around 82 percent of all wine produced, and it is the drink locals and visitors keep reaching for in the sunshine.

Provence rosé wines are usually dry, crisp, and beautifully pale in color. They pair effortlessly with the Mediterranean-style dishes the region is so known for. The story goes back much further though. The Greeks first brought grapes to the South of France, and the Phocaeans were the ones who pressed them into the pale pink wine that eventually became rosé.

Sadly, many of those early vineyards were wiped out in the 19th century due to the Phylloxera epidemic. The reset, however, opened the door for chateau owners to plant new grape varieties, including Marsanne in Cassis and the Mourvèdre red grape in Bandol.

Today, vineyards across Provence have become destinations in their own right. Many offer art installations, restaurants, and even music and theatre events throughout the summer. And if you want to enjoy Provence rosé at home, serve it with fresh salads, seafood, or your favourite Thai or Japanese dishes.

French Spirits

6. Rhum Agricole – Caribbean French Spirit

By Sarah from A Social Nomad

The Caribbean has no shortage of good rum, but Rhum Agricole is something quite different. Unlike most rums, which are distilled from molasses or beet sugar, Rhum Agricole is made only from freshly pressed sugar cane juice. It comes exclusively from the Caribbean French Antilles, and bottles from Martinique carry the AOC label (Appellation d’Origine-Controlee), marking their protected origin.

This style of rum was born out of necessity when global sugar markets collapsed. On Martinique, Homère Clément of the Habitation Clément distillery began experimenting with techniques inspired by his love of French Cognac, eventually perfecting what we now know as Rhum Agricole. Today, Habitation Clément is a popular place to visit in Martinique, both for its history and for the chance to taste the island’s most famous spirit. It is one of twelve distilleries on the island producing Rhum Agricole.

You will often try Rhum Agricole in a simple local aperitif. The classic Ti Punch is made with Rhum Agricole, lime, and cane syrup. No ice if you want to keep it traditional. In Martinique, it is prepared with a charming custom known as “chacun prépare sa propre mort”. In English, “each prepares their own death”. The idea is simple. The bartender gives you the ingredients and you mix your drink exactly the way you like it.

French Liqueurs

7. Chambord

By Josh & Sarah from Veggie Vagabonds

If you enjoy fruity liqueurs, Chambord is one you will fall for quickly. It is a low-alcohol raspberry liqueur made from a blend of red and black raspberries with hints of vanilla, citrus, and a touch of honey. The zesty flavour is bright and berry-forward, and its ornate, round bottle makes it instantly recognisable on any bar shelf.

Chambord is a relatively new addition to the French spirits world. It launched in 1982, inspired by a raspberry liqueur enjoyed by French royalty in the 16th century. The idea was to create a modern version of that historic drink, keeping the rich berry profile while giving it a more refined finish.

Chambord is made using a two-step infusion process where whole berries are steeped in neutral spirits, then blended with Cognac, Madagascan vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, spices, and honey. This helps explain its smooth, layered flavour.

If you love berry-based cocktails, chances are you have tasted Chambord before without realising it. It is a popular addition to daiquiris, margarita variations, spritzers, and even Manhattans. It also pairs beautifully with Champagne in a kir impérial, which is a fun twist on the classic kir royale.

Chambord is produced in the Loire Valley, but you will have no trouble finding it around the world. Whether you try it during a trip to France or pour it into a cocktail at home, it is an easy liqueur to enjoy.

8. Chartreuse

By Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Chartreuse easily gives itself away by its unique green colour. In fact, it’s the only liqueur in the world that is naturally green and is another of the top French drinks to give a try. 

Don’t be mistaken by its fruity shade though, this herbal French liquor packs a mighty punch with its 55% (110 proof US) alcohol content. Chartreuse is one of the oldest French liqueurs and was originally used as a health elixir by monks from the Chartreuse Monastery in the early 17th century. 

Today, its secret recipe is only known by two monks and has a mixture of 130 plants and flowers. The ingredients are macerated, distilled and aged in oak casks.

A sweeter, and softer chartreuse called Yellow Chartreuse was made in 1840 and adapted from the original Green Chartreuse recipe. It has a 40% alcohol content and a milder profile.

Serve Chartreuse as a digestif after dinner or sip it slowly in a brandy glass over ice. It is best enjoyed very cold.

9. Cointreau – Traditional French Drinks

By Alice from Adventures of Alice

One of the most traditional and delicious French-produced drinks has got to be Cointreau. The drink is an orange flavoured, although surprisingly colourless, triple sec liqueur which means that it has been ‘triple distilled’. It can be drunk straight and is most often used as an apéritif (drink served before dinner) or digestif (drink served after dinner).

Cointreau was first invented in 1875 in Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou. The pretty countryside area of western France, is a bit of a European hidden gem, near to the city of Nantes. The area is now famous for this French liqueur. Nowadays Cointreau is a well-known French drink that is sold all over the world. 

It is also used in many popular cocktails including the Sidecar, the classic Mexican Margarita, the Cosmopolitan or the Mimosa. Originally named Curaçao Blanco Triple Sec, it is stronger than most triple sec liqueurs at 40%. The beautiful orange perfume flavour that Cointreau has is because of the pressed orange skins that it’s made from.

10. Crème de Cassis

By Rosie from Flying Fluskey

Another of the famous French alcoholic drinks is none other than Crème de Cassis, a deep purple, sweet, and sticky blackcurrant liqueur. It is Burgundy’s second most famous alcoholic export but is also made in other locations in France, such as Dijon. 

France produces around 16 million litres a year, much of which is consumed domestically but plenty is shipped abroad. To create crème de cassis, blackcurrants are crushed and drenched in alcohol before being doused in plenty of sugar. The result still has all the tannins and tart tang of the blackcurrants along with its sweet start.

It can be drunk at room temperature as an after-dinner liqueur, added to coffee for a fruity kick or turned into a classic cocktail. For a cheap and cheerful mix, add it to a dry white wine. This is known as a “Kir” and will set you back around €6-7 in a Paris bistro. It was named after the mayor of Dijon, Fix Kir who came up with the idea and called it blanc-cassis. Alternatively, and sensibly, go all out and have a “Kir Royale”. This is 1/5 of crème de cassis topped carefully with 4/5 of champagne.

11. Ratafia

By Pauline from BeeLoved City

If you want to try something truly traditional, Ratafia is a lovely place to start. It is a fortified wine made from a mix of marc and fresh, unfermented grape juice, usually created from the leftovers of the harvest. Nothing goes to waste, and that simplicity is part of its charm.

Ratafia has been around for centuries. It first appeared in Champagne more than 800 years ago, and you can still find regional variations in places like Burgundy or in the Périgord, where it is sometimes flavoured with plums. It even carries the nickname l’apéritif du vigneron, the winemaker’s drink, because it was once something you would only see on a farmer’s table.

It is an easy, sociable drink, typically shared before a meal while you chat with friends. Sweet but not overly strong at around 15 percent, it often ends up being classed as a liqueur rather than a wine. In the South West, you will even see it served with rockmelon or foie gras, which makes for a surprisingly good pairing.

You can buy Ratafia in some French supermarkets, but it is still very much a local, traditional product. For the best experience, pick up a bottle from a small shop or directly from the producer.

French Cocktails

12. Monaco

By Eileen from FamiliesGo

I first came across the Monaco cocktail during a summer stay in Nice, in the South of France, and it quickly became one of those drinks that just feels right in the heat. You can order it all over France, especially in summer, but its colour and light, sunny flavours seem perfectly matched to the Mediterranean coast.

A Monaco is a simple mix of beer and sparkling lemonade, usually around a 60/40 split, with a spoonful of grenadine that turns it a soft sunset pink. It might sound unusual at first. I remember questioning the idea of sweetened beer the first time my now-husband ordered me one. But it is really just France’s take on a shandy or Radler, and it turns out to be surprisingly refreshing.

A Monaco is the kind of drink that goes down easily on a warm afternoon. Enjoy it after a day at the beach, a long cycle, or a few hours wandering through a new city.

Here’s how to make a batch to add a dash of international flavour to your next summer soiree: Try to find the sparkling not-to-sweet lemonade that’s everywhere in Europe (gourmet grocers often have it and Fanta will do in a pinch). And use the good-quality grenadine you find with the cocktail mixers (or buy a bottle of grenadine syrup while you’re in France). In most French bars they’ll use Stella Artois but if you’re not a fan you can try any Pilsner, Helles or Bier de Garde. Of course, you can adjust the beer-to-lemonade ratio and the amount of grenadine to suit your own tastes. Santé!

French Ciders

13. French Ciders

By Nicholas from Rambling Feet

Apple cultivation spread widely during the Roman era, including across the regions that make up France today. That legacy lives on in French cider, or cidre, which is still a speciality of the northern regions, especially Brittany and Normandy. If you enjoy discovering regional drinks, this is one you should absolutely try when visiting France.

French cider is made from the juice of local apples and comes in a range of strengths and sweetness levels. Most are light and gently fizzy at around 5 percent ABV or less, though stronger versions exist and some are even distilled to make Calvados. You will also see bottles styled like Champagne, complete with caged corks.

Labels help you choose the sweetness: doux for sweet, demi-sec for medium-dry, and brut for dry. One of the best pairings is a Breton galette, a savoury buckwheat crêpe filled with cheese, ham, eggs, or whatever you fancy. In Brittany, it is traditional to drink cider from small ceramic cups called bolées. A classic galette complète works perfectly here, as the cidre’s gentle fruitiness balances beautifully with the Emmental, ham and egg.

Normandy is also home to Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the most iconic French Landmarks, so pairing a cider tasting with a quick visit makes for a really memorable day out.

Non-Alcoholic French Drinks

14. Diabolo Menthe

By Mayi from Secret Moona

One of the first non-alcoholic French drinks that comes to mind is the Diabolo, a bright, refreshing and budget-friendly summer favourite. It’s simply a glass of sparkling French lemonade mixed with a splash of Teisseire syrup, and somehow that little combination tastes like childhood summers in France.

You’ll find Diabolos in cafés and bistros all over the country, especially once the weather warms up. They come in all kinds of flavours, from classic mint (menthe) and grenadine to strawberry, raspberry, passion fruit and more. Most French kids grow up ordering these, which is probably why the drink feels so nostalgic. Some places even make it with Sprite or 7Up for extra sweetness.

You might also spot a close cousin of the Diabolo on menus: menthe à l’eau, a simple mix of green mint syrup and iced water. It’s crisp, cooling and perfect if you want something light on a hot day.

The popular minty green Diabolo Menthe is such a classic that all the grown-up children still favour the drink. Whenever I’m in Paris during the summer, I love sitting on the terrace of a cafe, sipping an iced cold Diabolo Menthe while people-watching.

15. Gini Lemon

By Emma from Emma’s Roadmap

Gini Lemon is a classic French soda that first appeared in 1971, created by the same company behind Perrier. Cadbury Schweppes later purchased it in 1989, helping it spread even further. It’s a sparkling, bitter-lemon style drink that feels instantly refreshing, especially on a hot day in France.

In France, Gini became famous for a very cheeky slogan: la plus chaude des boissons froides, the hottest of all cold drinks. The nickname came from a series of bold, flirtatious advertising campaigns in the late 20th century, which turned the soda into something of a cultural icon.

Although it started in France, Gini is now popular in neighbouring countries too. In Belgium, for example, it’s become one of the top lemon sodas. You can enjoy it straight from the bottle, or try it as a mixer in cocktails. It works especially well in a bittersweet mojito-style drink.

16. Orangina – French Drinks

Orangina is about as French as a carbonated drink can get. It first appeared in the 1930s and slowly grew into a national favourite. The funny twist is that it was actually created by a Spanish scientist in Valencia, which makes sense given the quality of the oranges there. A French businessman later discovered it at a trade fair, bought the idea and turned it into the drink that France now claims as its own.

Part of its charm is the bottle. It’s shaped like an orange with a textured base and a slim neck, and almost everyone in France recognises it instantly. Inside, the drink is lightly sparkling with real orange pulp, mostly orange with a touch of lemon and grapefruit. That little citrus mix is what gives Orangina its signature kick.

It’s a staple for both kids and adults, and bartenders have started using it more often in cocktails, especially with younger drinkers who like it as a mixer for spirits.

If you’re visiting France in summer, you won’t miss it. Orangina is light, refreshing and one of those drinks that just feels right on a warm day.

17. Perrier

By Dymphe from Dymabroad

Last but not least on our list, Perrier is one of the most well-known sparkling water brands in France, and you’ll spot it everywhere. It comes from the spring in the village of Vergèze, and it’s the kind of drink you’ll come across naturally, even if you’re only in Paris for a layover.

The carbonation is natural to the spring. The water and gas are collected separately and then brought back together during bottling in the same ratio found at the source, which is what gives Perrier its familiar, lively fizz.

The spring has a long backstory. The Romans once used it as a spa, and it was still known for its mineral waters in the late 1800s before bottling became common. Today, the green droplet-shaped bottle is instantly recognisable across France.

Perrier is simple, refreshing and easy to pair with almost any meal. If you want a classic non-alcoholic French staple that locals drink every day, this is it!

Your French Drinks Questions Answered:

Final Thoughts on French Drinks

French drinks have a way of slipping into your day without much effort when visiting France – a kir before dinner, a glass of rosé at lunch, a Monaco you order on impulse, or a simple Perrier when you need a break from… well, everything else. I loved discovering these on cold winter days in Paris, but they’re just as enjoyable when the city moves outdoors and the terrace tables fill up again during the warmer spring and summer months.

Whether you’re here for something cozy, something refreshing, or something completely new to you, I hope at least one of these drinks finds its moment on your trip. And if you’re not heading to France just yet, there are plenty of ways to bring a little French flavour home – from tastings to easy mixers to a good bottle shared at the end of the day. Santé!