Preparation
- Fill the serving glass with solid ice cubes.
- Add the measured ingredients.
- Stir gently until the drink is cold and the ingredients have combined.
What does it taste like?
Sweet and smooth—that's how this drink begins. Amaretto tastes of almond and marzipan and supplies all the sweetness, since no syrup is added. The Cognac sits behind it, delivering depth from the cask: dried fruit, vanilla, and a touch of oak. Acidity is entirely absent, and that's exactly what makes the drink so round yet so heavy at the same time. It's strong to boot, since both components are spirits and there's no juice to stretch it. As you drink, the ice melts, the drink cools and lightens slightly, and the almond note lingers to the end.
When does it work best?
This cocktail belongs at the end of a meal, alongside coffee or as a nightcap. Anyone who loves sweet flavors and shies away from sour drinks will take to this one easily. Seasoned drinkers appreciate it because the Cognac still comes through despite the liqueur. Beginners should take it slow, since 70 milliliters of pure spirit packs a punch. It's not suited as an aperitif—too sweet and too heavy for that.
What matters
Amaretto already brings plenty of sweetness, so don't add any syrup. With just two ingredients, quality is what decides the outcome: choose a Cognac whose cask notes can still be tasted alongside the liqueur. A very mild Cognac will simply vanish. If the result turns out too sweet for you, use a bit more Cognac and a bit less liqueur next time. Large ice cubes melt more slowly and dilute the drink less.
Where the drink comes from
The name references the film The French Connection from 1971. The mix itself appears in recipe books from the 1970s. Alongside it, there were other combinations of Amaretto and various spirits built on the same pattern. The French element in the name comes from the Cognac, since that's where it originates. Some claim a film star invented the drink. This can't be verified, and it certainly doesn't follow from the film title alone.