Drinking in France

France is renowned for its culinary prestige, which can be intimidating for tourists not familiar with the local bar lingo. Follow these tips the next time you are drinking in France.

Hold the rocks

Unless you like your scotch neat, don’t expect ice to be served if you are not at a fast food franchise or a bar catered toward American tourists, which are usually marked by a sign saying “Bar Américain.”

Start and finish

It is not uncommon for a cocktail course to be served before and after a meal, referred to as an apértif and disgestif. An apértif is meant to build an appetite and can range from fortified wine to dry Champagne depending on which region of France you are visiting. Pastises are popular in the south of France, while Normandy is partial to Calvados brandy. A digestif’s purpose is to aid in the digestion of a meal, usually served after coffee. These are usually taken straight and can be made from a large variety of liquors.

Stay local

When in France, do as the locals do and order the Vin du Pays (local wine). This will introduce you to the wine’s various elements and complexities unique to that region. The local wine will usually be the Vin du Maison (house wine).

Boissons san Alcool (Non-alcoholic Drinks)

It can be tempting to drink all day on your vacation, but here are some tips for ordering non-alcoholic beverages. Soda and juices are everywhere, as is tea and coffee, though almost all the coffee in France is made from an espresso machine. Milk is served with coffee but not consumed as a drink for anything else. Bottled water is usually sparkling, but if you want flat water, order a bottle of Evian. If you are fine with tap water, order “eau nature.”