There’s an effortless elegance associated with all things French. Even the simplest item, like the lemonade or “pressé” served in French cafés, is made to order using fresh-pressed lemons, water and sugar. According to master mixologist Nick Mautone, cocktails inspired by the classic French beverage make the perfect summer drink.
“They’re easy to make using the bounty of the summer, and they’re incredibly thirst-quenching,” he says. “Plus, pressé cocktails are extremely food-friendly because the fruit flavors are balanced with bright, crisp acidity. The acidity is perfect for cutting though the richness of grilled foods, and the fruit balances out the smokiness.”
Using the basic idea of the pressé, Grey Goose developed five recipes (below) that combine its namesake vodka with seasonal ingredients.
Original Pressé
1½ parts Grey Goose Vodka
¾ part fresh-pressed lemon juice
1½ tsp sugar
1 part club soda
Using a citrus press or your hands, press lemon to release juice into a glass filled with ice. Add vodka and sugar. Stir vigorously, and top with club soda. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of mint.
La Poire Lemon Razz Pressé
1½ parts Grey Goose La Poire Flavored Vodka
¾ part fresh-pressed lemon juice
1½ tsp sugar 6 fresh-pressed raspberries
1 part club soda
Using a citrus press or your hands, press lemon to release juice into a glass filled with ice. Add vodka, raspberries and sugar. Stir vigorously, and top with club soda. Garnish with a raspberry and a sprig of mint.
L’Orange Emerald Pressé
1½ parts Grey Goose L’Orange Flavored Vodka
¾ part fresh-pressed lime juice
1½ tsp sugar
1 part club soda
Using a citrus press or your hands, press lime to release juice into a glass filled with ice. Add vodka and sugar. Stir vigorously, and top with club soda. Garnish with lime slices and a sprig of cilantro.
Le Citron Paradise Pressé
1½ parts Grey Goose Le Citron Flavored Vodka
¾ part fresh-pressed orange juice
½ tsp sugar
2 fresh-pressed strawberries
1 part club soda
Using a citrus press or your hands, press orange to release juice into a glass filled with ice. Add vodka, sugar and strawberries. Stir vigorously, and top with club soda. Garnish with sliced strawberry and a sprig of basil.
Cherry Noir Citrus Pressé
1½ parts Grey Goose Cherry Noir Flavored Vodka
¾ part fresh-pressed lemon juice
1½ tsp sugar
1 part club soda
Using a citrus press or your hands, press lemon to release juice into a glass filled with ice. Add vodka and sugar. Stir vigorously, and top with club soda. Garnish with lemon slices, a cherry and a sprig of rosemary.
