The Champs-Élysées cocktail is a sophisticated drink that captures the elegance of France, combining the warmth of cognac with the herbal complexity of green Chartreuse. Fresh lemon juice, smooth simple syrup, and the subtle spice of Angostura bitters bring the cocktail together beautifully. Meanwhile, the lemon provides enough acidity to balance the sweeter ingredients, resulting in a harmonious and well-rounded drink. Named after the famous Parisian boulevard, the Champs-Élysées is essentially a variation of the Sidecar. However, Chartreuse can sometimes be difficult to source because production remains limited while demand often soars. In addition, it is one of the more expensive ingredients in the cocktail world.
Story
The recipe for the Champs-Élysées cocktail first appeared in print around the 1930s in The Savoy Cocktail Book, and its name clearly pays tribute to Parisian luxury and sophistication. The cocktail initially gained popularity in Europe, while Prohibition was still in force in the United States. At the same time, green Chartreuse was beginning to attract attention in the cocktail world, and this recipe showed how beautifully the herbal French liqueur pairs with cognac. Although it remains less well known than many other classics, the Champs-Élysées has become a secret favorite among bartenders.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz (45 ml) cognac
⅓ oz (10 ml) green Chartreuse
½ oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
⅙–⅓ oz (5–10 ml) simple syrup, to taste
1–2 dashes Angostura bitters
How to Make a Champs-Élysées Cocktail
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake thoroughly to chill the drink and allow the flavors to blend harmoniously. Then, fine-strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Serving and Garnish
The Champs-Élysées cocktail is traditionally served without ice in a coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish it with a twist of lemon peel. Besides adding an elegant finishing touch, the peel releases fragrant citrus oils when expressed over the surface of the drink.
Calorie Content
A single serving of a Champs-Élysées cocktail contains approximately 170–190 calories. Most of the calories come from the cognac and the sugar in the green Chartreuse. Of course, the simple syrup also contributes to the final calorie count.