French Connection
The French Connection is a very strong brandy spirit-forward cocktail, sweet and fruity on the palate. Built and served in a rocks glass. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official contemporary classics cocktails.
- 2 min
- Rocks glass
- Built
Flavor profile
- Sweet
- 83 out of 100
- Fruity
- 59 out of 100
- Bitter
- 14 out of 100
- Boozy
- 100 out of 100
How to make a French Connection
To make a French Connection, build over ice in a rocks glass: 1½ oz cognac and ¾ oz Amaretto.
You'll need
Instructions
- 1
Fill a rocks glass with one large ice cube.
- 2
Pour in cognac and amaretto.
- 3
Stir briefly to mix.
Why build it in the glass? Cognac and amaretto only need a gentle stir, so there's no shaker to wash.
French Connection questions
What does a French Connection taste like?
Mostly sweet and fruity, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a very strong drink at about 31% ABV once mixed.
How strong is a French Connection?
About 31% ABV after mixing with ice, close to a neat spirit.
What's the difference between a French Connection and an ABC?
Both use cognac and Amaretto. The ABC uses Baileys irish cream. The French Connection is built in the glass and served in a rocks glass; the ABC is layered and served in a shot glass. The French Connection is the stronger of the two.
What can I use instead of amaretto?
Orgeat syrup (no alcohol) or Frangelico will work.
What glass do you serve a French Connection in?
A rocks glass.