8 French liqueurs and eaux-de-vie validated by Gault&Millau

While French cognacs, rums, armagnacs and calvados have been renowned the world over for decades, the XXIᵉ century is seeing the emergence of new jewels produced in France.

Guillaume Benquet Published on 12/19/25 at 12:29 PM

to be added to cocktails or enjoyed on their own, these liqueurs and eaux-de-vie produced in the four corners of France are to be discovered urgently!

Liqueur de café - Distillerie Massenez - Djebenah Buna - Bas-Rhin

An exceptional nectar from a Grand Cru of Ethiopia, captivating from the very first breath with its warm aromas of freshly roasted coffee.on the palate, a sublime expression of purity, spicy notes unfold in perfect roundness, while the masterfully dosed sugar serves as a discreet showcase for the intense flavors. This liqueur transcends the genre, relegating its competitors far behind. An exceptional base for crafting white russians of rare elegance.

97/100
49.95 € per 70 cl

Crème de menthe bio - Maison Cornut - Villa Geli - Gard

A plant symphony in which fresh mint leaves express themselves eloquently. The nose captures the pure essence of the plant.on the palate, minty freshness blossoms with nobility, carried by an oily texture that avoids the icy pitfall. The balance is masterful, with sugar perfectly integrated into this harmonious composition. An ideal conclusion to a family meal, with elegance and character.

97/100
25 € for 70 cl

Liqueur - Sab's - L'abricot - Côte-d'Or

The nose reveals itself with striking purity, releasing a powerful, captivating bouquet of concentrated apricot.on the palate, a naughty, precise expression unfolds, revealing a fruit with a perfectly defined, fibrous and juicy texture. The tactile sensation evokes the characteristic apricot down, elegantly caressing the palate.the balance is sublime; the freshness, remarkable; the sugar, perfectly integrated. An expression of impressive precision and intensity.

96/100
49 € for 50 cl

Eau-de-vie - Roseline - Origin - Var

Made like a gin from the estate's wines, this eau-de-vie reveals a remarkably complex nose. Aromas of black pepper and rose blend delicately with notes of lychee, grapefruit and bergamot, enhanced by a touch of coriander. On the palate, a striking freshness where spices and citrus harmonize with elegance. The finish is a meditative eau-de-vie that will also find its place in refined cocktails.

96/100
65 € for 70 cl

Liqueur de plantes - Maison Fontbonne - 1874 - Côte-d'Or

An aromatic bouquet of remarkable freshness, with notes of fennel, garrigue and licorice. On the palate, a paradoxical sensation, both dense and refreshing, where pepper blends with an assertive greediness. This subtle dialogue between warmth and freshness lends this plant-based liqueur a complexity that, through its coherence, becomes self-evident. A digestive that purifies the palate and elegantly closes a meal. A beautiful expression of authenticity.

95/100
39 € for 70 cl

Eau-de-vie de marc - Cave de Ribeauvillé - Clos du Zahnacker - Haut-Rhin

An exuberant, refreshing nose reveals a captivating bouquet of lemon, orange blossom, apricot, juniper and white pepper. On the palate, the taut, salivating attack explodes with citrus fruit before giving way to extraordinary delicacy. The spicy, peppery finish lends impressive depth to this eau-de-vie. The perfect fruit of an eau-de-vie made from grapes grown in an exceptional clos.

94/100
41.30 € per 50 cl

Fine de bourgogne - Maison Jacoulot - L'Authentique 13 ans - Saône-et-Loire

A seductive bouquet of raspberry, strawberry, walnut, honey and orange zest. On the palate, the aromatic expression is generous and flattering, dominated by a fruity explosion. The perfectly integrated alcohol elegantly underpins this salivating composition, while strawberry, plum and blackberry unfold an irresistible delicacy. A harmonious, fruity eau-de-vie that will delight lovers of authentic digestifs.

94/100
101.50 € per 70 cl

Liquoristerie de Provence - Vermouth dry - Belmuse rosé - Var

This vermouth seduces with its intensely floral nose of garrigue and dried herbs, enhanced by notes of plum, dried apricot and kirsch. On the palate, the generous amplitude is perfectly balanced between a taut, refreshing attack and perfectly controlled sweetness. Remarkably authentic aromas deliver a particularly pleasant, natural sensation.