An iconic beverage defining the culture: Wine Before Experimental Cocktail Club opened its doors in 2007 (more on that below), cocktail bars were essentially nonexistent in Paris. And even though cocktail culture has certainly caught on, wine remains the drink of choice in France. This is obviously for good reason — France makes some of the best wine in the world, and they were drinking natural wine and pét-nats way before they caught on stateside. Talking about all the different types of wine from all of France’s incredible regions would be another story entirely, so just know this: wine is deeply embedded in everyday French life and culture. A yearly event around drinking: The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction This annual auction has become one of the most famous wine charity sales in the world. Started in 1859, it takes place on the third Sunday in November and is preceded by three days of wine tastings, entertainment and a half marathon. An iconic drinking establishment: Harry’s Bar This Parisian icon was opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1911, after the bar was literally dismantled from its original location on Seventh Avenue in Manhattan and reassembled in its current home on Rue Daunou. Famed bartender Harry MacElhone was the man behind the stick, and many classic cocktails — like the Scofflaw and French 75 — were rumored to have been invented here. It’s still a delightful spot to grab a drink in Paris. |