The French Pearl Cocktail Recipe

The French Pearl cocktail is a stunning modern classic created in 2006 by renowned bartender Audrey Saunders at New York City’s iconic Pegu Club. Inspired by the elegance of late 19th-century French Beaux-Arts architecture and the cultural tradition of sipping anise-flavoured spirits, this cocktail balances botanical gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup with a delicate measure of pastis, producing a visually striking pearlescent effect known as louching. Finished with a hint of fresh mint, the French Pearl delivers a refreshingly aromatic and complex flavour profile. Its history, aesthetic appeal, and approachable yet sophisticated taste have made it a celebrated cocktail among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts seeking both elegance and historical context in every sip.

The French Pearl cocktail combines elegance, history, and visual appeal in one refined drink. Created by Audrey Saunders at New York City’s Pegu Club in 2006, it pays homage to the French Beaux-Arts period while showcasing the louching effect of pastis when combined with water. To craft this cocktail, start with 2 oz of high-quality gin, 0.75 oz of fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Add a small measure of pastis, typically 0.25 oz, either stirred into the shaker or as a rinse for subtle aromatic depth. Shake ingredients with ice to ensure proper chilling, then strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

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Garnish with fresh mint leaves for both aroma and visual contrast. The drink’s pearlescent opacity is best appreciated in a clear glass, highlighting its unique French-inspired flair. Serving tips include pre-chilling glasses to maintain temperature, lightly bruising mint leaves to release their aroma, and pairing the French Pearl with light hors d’oeuvres to complement its bright, herbal, and citrus notes.

As a cocktail, the French Pearl bridges modern mixology and classical French traditions, offering a sophisticated option for dinner parties, cocktail hours, or historical mixology demonstrations. Its approachable ingredients and visually striking presentation make it ideal for enthusiasts seeking both flavour and historical storytelling in one elegant beverage experience.

The French Pearl

Ingredients

• 2 oz of gin

• ½ of Pastis

• ¾ oz of Fresh Lime Juice

• ¾ oz of Simple Syrup

• Garnish with mint leaves

Assembly

Gently muddle the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add all the ingredients plus ice and shake until chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.