I love Paris, it never fails to impress with its elegant, stylish and indulgently classy architecture and style. I also love Cointreau for its fresh, sweet and zesty flavour which creates a feminine and aspirational spirit. Hard to resist, then, a visit to Paris’ latest pop-up – Cointreau Privé – for a cocktail making masterclass. A perfect evening surely lay ahead.
The underground pop-up bar is currently located in the city’s couture mecca of Saint Honore, within perfect reach of high-end concept stores and boutiques. Designed and curated by fashion designer Alexis Mabille – his signature bow-ties lay at the heart of the concept. Cosy, cool and inspired – Cointreau Privé’s Parisian style is subtly different to last year’s pop-up in London – designed by Cointreau’s global ambassador Dita Von Tesse.
The sense of theatre is prominent here with reclaimed and ‘upcycled’ furniture, rented chandeliers and deco styling. One of my favourite details had to be the hand painted, embroidered drapes and wallpapers that set the space wonderfully. With a hint of oddity and Burton-esque imagination, the bar is sexy and also fun. Mabille’s full creative control saw him designing not just the bar but the cocktails and entertainment too.
Alexis Mabille
Now for the cocktails. Our ridiculously skilled bartender (humbly he preferred not to be called a mixologist) and five giggly girls (us) got our hands sticky learning how to make some of the simplest, freshest and most delicious cocktails. Each of us mastering one of the following – Cointreaupolitan, Margarita, Cointreau Fizz, Side Car et Mademoiselle Sophie. Sampling, discussing and admiring these concoctions, a clear and most interesting favourite was the cucumber based Mlle Sophie.
Here’s the recipe, it’s a must try and wonderful alternative to a Bloody Mary at brunch on a (sore head) Sunday.
2 Fresh Basil Leaves
45g of Cucumber (peeled and blended or mashed in to puree)
40ml Cointreau
20ml Fresh Lemon Juice
40ml Sparkling Water
Simply blend/puree cucumber and basil, add Cointreau and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake vigorously, strain into a long iced glass and garnish with a slice of lime and a straw. Yum!
After many cocktails and dancing with Alexis Mabille’s crew the rest of the night is a magical blur. As a night out with the girls in Paris should be – full of sparkle and enchantment, ending with sore toes from silly heels, boozy hiccups, handbag fumbles and my usual “Let’s stay up ALL night!” enthusiasm. How much more feminine and (ahem) classy can you get!?
Cointreau Privé Paris (round 2) closes on 28th April, but we’re promised it will be back soon. Maybe in London again, maybe further afield – we cannot wait to see what the next one brings that’s for sure!
