French Connection Drink

Don’t get caught in Poughkeepsie without this sweet, robust and almond-tinged cocktail.

Being the colossal movie fan and cinephile that I am, a confession must be made… I’ve only seen the legendary crime film The French Connection twice. The second time I was in college and knew what to expect. The first time, I must’ve been around eleven or twelve years old. Growing up I had heard of the movie without even trying; it’s often mentioned in the same breath as other cinematic classics of that time, like The Godfather, Jaws and The Exorcist.

One rainy weekend afternoon I was home alone and left to my own devices. My parents had taken my siblings out with them to run some errands. Being of a more “grown” age, I was allowed to hang out by myself, watch television and eat some chips. I still get to do that every so often, and it’s still just as enjoyable. In fact, today is one of those days. I’m visiting my family, it’s a little drizzly and stormy out, my folks are running errands and I’m working while keeping an eye on my nine-year-old nephew… don’t think he’d be into watching The French Connection however. Fortnite has his attention these days. 

When I first saw the movie, I felt very adult and sophisticated. I’m watching a cinematic classic, full of conflict, violence and vulgar language. There was a caper going down, and it didn’t involve the Muppets. The film’s hero, Popeye Doyle, wasn’t exactly likeable. My only real exposure to actor Gene Hackman was watching him brilliantly ham it up in the Superman movies. Seeing him literally ram a car through the streets of New York City in the most jaw-dropping chase put on film rocked my mind. I had seen action movies before, but not something that visceral, grimy and realistic. 

Considered one of the greatest films ever made, it’s no wonder that it’s also one of the most influential. Not just inspiring other movies, but facets of popular culture as well. Like another popular cinema phenomenon of the time, The Godfather, The French Connection also inspired a cocktail that bears its name. A simple and elegant two-ingredient beverage, cognac and amaretto, this tipple echoes other old-school drinks like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned or Negroni. 

While nobody knows who came up with this strong and tasty mixture, it is easy to imagine the movie’s protagonist, sitting in a dark cocktail lounge with his hat cocked sideways, sipping on a French Connection after a hard day chasing down subway cars and barely evading baby carriages.

What is Cognac?

Cognac is a type of brandy, which in turn is distilled from fermented fruit juice. Produced in the Cognac region of France, the spirit is aged in oak barrels from the area for a minimum of two years. This will give it spicy notes, such as vanilla and caramel. Its smooth, buttery texture makes it a good sipper when served neat.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a French Connection?

I’m still fairly new to the world of cognac. If you are too, fear not. When choosing a bottle for tonight’s drink you can’t go wrong with either Hennessy or Rémy Martin. Both are pretty easy to find and have been around a long time. And for the amaretto, a bottle of Disaronno will not disappoint.

FAQs & Tips

Similar Cocktails to the French Connection

Sometimes you’re in the mood for a drink that makes you feel like you’re in a gritty, sepia-toned 1970s film. Big sunglasses, leather jackets with belts and huge collars… your boots are high and made for walking to the nearest dive that serves tough drinks for hard times. If there’s nothing like that around, check a few of these recipes out from Twist & Toast. Intrigue not included.

• Godfather – A cocktail inspired by the film, said to have been created by its star Marlon Brando.
• Vesper Martini – A creation of secret agent James Bond and his creator Ian Fleming.
• Cosmopolitan – If you’re a Sex and the City fan, you might already be drinking one of these.
• 7&7 – You’ll get Goodfellas vibes with this simple Seagram’s whiskey-based dram.