How to Make a French Kiss

The French Kiss cocktail might have a rather romantic name, but there is nothing frivolous about what is in the glass. Made with equal parts dry vermouth and red vermouth, it is wonderfully simple, bittersweet and aromatic, with a lemon twist bringing everything together.

It is also a brilliant reminder that vermouth does not always need gin, whiskey or another spirit to turn it into a proper cocktail. Sometimes two bottles of vermouth and plenty of ice are all you need.

What Is a French Kiss Cocktail?

Recipes for the French Kiss vary slightly in their proportions, but the combination of dry and red vermouth served over ice with lemon is a recognized version of the drink.

Perhaps the best thing about it is that there is nowhere for either vermouth to hide. This is the moment to bring out those bottles you have been saving rather than whatever has been sitting open at the back of the fridge for six months.

What You Need to Make a French Kiss

For the tools, keep things equally simple. You will need a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for stirring. Serve it in an Old Fashioned or rocks glass filled with good ice.

What Does a French Kiss Taste Like?

This will depend enormously on the vermouths you choose, which is part of the fun. In general, expect something herbal and aromatic with a lovely balance between the drier, fresher character of the dry vermouth and the richer spice and sweetness of the red.

The lemon twist is more important than it might seem. Expressing those citrus oils across the surface gives the first sip a bright freshness that cuts through the richness of the vermouth.

When to Serve a French Kiss

This is very much an aperitif in my book. Its bittersweet, herbal character makes it a great drink before dinner, particularly when you want a cocktail but do not necessarily want something built around a full measure of gin, vodka or whiskey.

It is also a useful cocktail to know if you have opened bottles of vermouth in the fridge and are wondering what to do with them. Just make sure they are still fresh.

French Kiss Cocktail FAQs

Is red vermouth the same as sweet vermouth?

Generally, yes for the purposes of this recipe. Red vermouth, often labelled rosso or rouge, is typically the sweeter, darker style of vermouth used in cocktails such as the Manhattan and Negroni.

Should vermouth be refrigerated?

Yes. Vermouth is wine-based, so once the bottle has been opened it should be kept in the refrigerator. It will not stay fresh indefinitely in the way that higher-proof spirits do.

Can I serve the French Kiss straight up?

You can. Stir the two vermouths with plenty of ice and strain them into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, finishing with the lemon twist. I prefer this version over ice, though, as the gradual dilution works beautifully with the vermouth.

Is the French Kiss a strong cocktail?

Not compared with spirit-forward classics such as a Martini or Manhattan. Since it is made entirely with vermouth, its alcohol level will generally be considerably lower, although the exact ABV depends on the vermouths you use.

Why A Lush Life Loves It

Three ingredients, no shaking and almost no effort. The French Kiss is exactly the kind of aperitif I love: elegant, grown-up and proof that vermouth deserves to be the star of the show occasionally.

More Cocktails to Try

If the French Kiss has reminded you just how useful a bottle of vermouth can be, try the Diplomat, Manhattan, Martinez or Negroni next. Or head over to my cocktail recipes and find your next cocktail to make.

Here is the recipe