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The Champs-Élysées is a brandy-based cocktail featuring cognac, green Chartreuse, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters, garnished with a lemon twist. The combination of rich cognac, herbal Chartreuse, and citrus creates a balanced drink with nuanced complexity.
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Champs-Élysées is a classic cocktail that takes its name from one of the most famous avenues in the world, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. The origins of this cocktail are a bit murky, but it is believed to have been created in the early 20th century, possibly during the Prohibition era.
The exact creator and circumstances remain unknown, however, it grew in popularity when it was included in Harry Craddock’s “The Savoy Cocktail Book.” At a glance, it’s a riff on the Sidecar, replacing orange liqueur with green Chartreuse, bringing bright herbal notes to the front—a must-try for Cognac lovers!
Also, try the Between the Sheet cocktail—another closely related cocktail with a very similar vibe.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cognac: Cognac provides a rich and warming base. If you don’t have cognac, you can substitute it with quality brandy, though the character may slightly change. Use a good VS or VSOP or whatever you have on hand. I personally like Pierre Ferrand as an everyday option.
- Green Chartreuse: this French herbal liqueur is bold, complex, and slightly spicy with a higher proof than its yellow counterpart. It adds a rich herbal depth that makes the cocktail unique. There’s no direct substitute, but Genepy Des Alpes could work in a pinch.
- Lemon juice: freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for balancing the sweetness of the liqueur. Bottled juice won’t give the same brightness and freshness, so always use fresh lemons.
- Simple syrup: a small amount of simple syrup helps round out the drink. You can adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
- Angostura bitters: a dash of Angostura bitters adds subtle spice and depth. You can experiment with orange bitters for a slightly different twist or use a combination of the two.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Shake this cocktail with ice to ensure a properly mixed drink. Always double-strain with a fine mesh strainer.
- Serve in a chilled coupe glass for the best presentation. Chilling your glass will keep it cooler for longer.
- Express a lemon twist over the top before garnishing to release its essential oils, enhancing the citrus aroma.
Similar Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Champs-Élysées Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Cognac
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce green Chartreuse
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lemon peel garnish
Instructions
- Combine Cognac, lemon juice, Chartreuse, simple syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Express the lemon peel over the drink and garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love Sidecars – thanks so much for sharing this!