French Connection Recipe

Chill glass (optional)

If you prefer a colder drink without dilution, place an old-fashioned glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with plenty of ice (enough to chill without excessive dilution).

Measure and pour 2 oz cognac and 1 oz amaretto over the ice in the mixing glass.

Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass feels cold — stirring cools and dilutes just enough while keeping clarity and texture.

Discard ice water from the chilled old-fashioned glass if you used that method. Strain the mixed cocktail into the old-fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes or over a single large ice sphere/large cube if using (this reduces further dilution).

Express the oils of an orange twist over the surface of the drink by holding the twist skin-side down and giving it a quick fold or squeeze above the glass, then drop the twist into the drink as garnish.

If desired, finish with 1 dash of Angostura bitters on top for added aromatic complexity.

Serve immediately.

For a slightly lighter, longer version, build the cognac and amaretto over ice in a highball glass and top with a splash (1–2 oz) of club soda.

To emphasize cognac character, use a VSOP expression; for a sweeter, more almond-forward profile, choose a richer amaretto.

If you prefer slightly less sweetness, reduce amaretto to 0.75 oz and increase cognac to 2.25 oz.