London Cocktail

Old Fashioned & Riffs • October 14, 2026

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A photo of the London Cocktail cocktail containing Beefeater London Dry Gin, Pernod Absinthe, Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne), Angostura Orange Bitters, Chilled water (reduce if wet ice) in a Martini.

Curiada Ingredients

Other Ingredients

0.17 fl oz Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne)
0.50 fl oz Chilled water (reduce if wet ice)

Directions

Add ice to cocktail shaker
Add all ingredients to shaker
Shake vigorously
Fine strain into chilled martini glass
Express orange zest twist over drink and drop into glass

Cocktail Description

The Parisian Martini captures the spirit of Belle Époque France in a glass, blending London's crisp botanicals with the louche allure of absinthe.

This isn't your standard martini—it's a more aromatic, slightly sweeter variation that showcases how well gin and absinthe play together when properly balanced. The Beefeater provides a solid juniper backbone, while the Pernod adds an anise complexity that doesn't overpower but rather enhances the gin's botanicals. A touch of cane syrup smooths out the edges, and the orange bitters tie everything together with a subtle citrus note that the orange zest garnish amplifies beautifully. The result tastes sophisticated and herbaceous, with a silky texture from the shake that makes it surprisingly approachable despite the presence of absinthe.

This cocktail works brilliantly as a pre-dinner aperitif or during a celebratory evening when you want something refined but not stuffy. Making it requires a bit of care—measuring the absinthe precisely is key since too much will dominate the drink—but the technique is straightforward for anyone comfortable shaking cocktails. The drink pairs wonderfully with oysters, smoked salmon, or French cheeses like chèvre, as the anise notes complement briny and rich flavors without competing with them.