French Charlie
Soft fruit. Quiet heat. Some drinks reveal themselves slowly.
At first, the French Charlie feels round and gentle; orchard fruit, light sweetness, a familiar warmth. Then, just at the finish, a subtle spark appears. Not hot, not sharp. Just enough to keep the sip alive.
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60ml Elusa Blanche Armagnac
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10ml cloudy apple juice
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15ml simple syrup
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2–3 drops chilli tincture
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Ice
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Lemon peel
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Build: Add all ingredients to a mixing glass.
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Ice: Fill with ice and stir until chilled.
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Strain: Over fresh ice in a rocks or highball glass.
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Garnish: Express a lemon peel over the surface.
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Inspired by character as much as flavour, it’s a drink with balance and a little attitude.
Comfortable, but never boring.
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The French Charlie isn’t about spice. It’s about contrast.
Softness first. Warmth second.
Another sip inevitable.
WHY IT WORKS
Blanche Armagnac already carries natural apple and pear notes.
A touch of cloudy apple deepens that character rather than masking it, while chilli doesn’t dominate, it sharpens perception.
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Instead of heat, you get lift.
Instead of sweetness, you get length.
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It drinks like a lighter Old Fashioned made for earlier evenings.
TASTING NOTES
Aroma: Apple skin, citrus oil, gentle spice
Palate: Soft orchard fruit, rounded sweetness
Finish: Clean with a delicate warming lift
WHEN TO SERVE IT
Early evening
Autumn afternoons
Conversations that last longer than expected
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It sits between refreshing and contemplative, never heavy, never simple.