Inspired by the sunny shores of France’s beautiful beaches, the La Grande Plage cocktail is the spritz of the summer. Encapsulating the essence of summer with herbaceous flavors, this cocktail is one of Rebekah Peppler’s go-to’s, inspired by her time spent in the south of France. She shared her entire French Girl dinner party menu from her new book Le Sud, and it starts with this refreshing cocktail.
Intrigued? We have all the details on how to carefully craft this exquisite summer cocktail below. With only six ingredients, this is sure to be a recipe repeat for those warm summer days spent lounging in the sun. Santé!
Why You’ll Love This French Spritz Cocktail
Given the cocktail’s association with the famous beach located in Biarritz, France, the La Grande Plage evokes feelings of a summer spent by the sea. Peppler’s recipe utilizes seasonal ingredients like lemons and oranges for garnish, a touch of Angostura bitters for an herby and spiced flavor, and light ice to chill the crisp sparkling wine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lillet Rosé: Lillet Rosé a sweet, light-bodied wine with notes of strawberry, citrus, and melon.
Amaro: No, this is not Amaretto or Amarone. Amaro is an Italian bittersweet liqueur with flavors of herbs and florals.
Angostura Bitters: A spicy and bitter liqueur with notes of cloves and cinnamon, typically made with gentian root and other herbs and spices.
Dry Sparkling Wine: This cocktail is best with sparkling wine on the drier side to counter the other sweet ingredients.
Lemon or Orange Wheels: Because what’s a fun cocktail without the presentation?
Description
This is the spritz to make when you’re by the sea (or want to be) and desire something lightly bitter and bubbly and giving sunset in a cup.
- 1 1/2 ounces [45 ml] Lillet Rosé
- 3/4 ounce [22.5 ml] amaro, such as China-China, Nonino, or Montenegro
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Pinch flaky sea salt
- 4 ounces [120 ml] dry sparkling wine
- 1 or 2 very thin lemon or orange wheels, if desired
- In a wine glass filled with ice, combine the Lillet, amaro, bitters, and salt. Top with the sparkling wine. Add the citrus wheels directly in the glass (if using) and serve.