Paco

So, at the risk of sounding too ridiculous and self-conscious and even--and I really don't mean to--sexist, what might be an apt aperitif for a gentleman (well, in some ways I'm more of a "guy&quot to order in Paris? A Kir? Do men drink those? I'm sorry. I sound like a rube.

HowardR

Fear not, being seen in public drinking kir will not reflect unfavorably on your masculinity!

Christina

just don't order it with quiche, ha ha ha

Probably most probably would be some brand of pastis, which is an anise-flavored aperitif (do you like ouzo? then you'll like it) Ricard and Pernod are two popular brands. They will probably serve it to you with a little separate pitcher of water and you can mix it yourself.

Otherwive, maybe Lillet, James Bond liked that. You could have some type of vermouth, I suppose. I don't know if men drink kirs, I think so. One of my favorite restaurants includes that in the prix fixe menu so I suppose it is popular with both sexes. Ricard is probably more of a manly drink (I am having trouble writing this without laughing).

StCirq

Try a Lillet, or a Suze. I don't think anyone will smirk at you for ordering a Kir, but on the other hand, I can't recall ever seeing a French guy drinking one.

ira

Hi Paco,

A pastis is very popular. As noted you will get a glass of amber colored liquid and a small pitcher of water. You put some water in the pastis and it will turn white.

It has a very strong licorice flavor, so sip slowly with much water.

A dry white sherry is also a good aperitif.

m_kingdom

One should always drink the same aperitif wherever one is. Whether it be a dry martini with blonde lillet, or a pink panther the country should be irrespective to your decision. I always have a Campari and soda before a meal, with a thick slice of orange of course.

A kir I feel is a revolting drink that murders the champagne, and yes it is somewhat effiminate, not just in Paris, but globally. If you are comfortable with your sexuality and are not in the closet so to speak, flaunt it and order a Kir.

But the point of an aperitif is to be bitter, and a digestif sweeter to aid one's digestion.

Patrick

Order what you want, it's no big deal. I have seen French men drinking kirs. Of course, ordering a pink lady might get you a few stares, but if that's what you want, why should you care? Sorry to be so blunt here, but why are people so obsessed with what others think? I'm not speaking specifically to you, Paco, I realize you're simply asking for a suggestion of what might be a good drink that is popular with men -- nothing wrong with that. My point simply is, if you find a drink you like, order it, and don't worry if it is the "usual" of most local men.

m_kingdom

People are far too concerned of what other people think of them, I'm sure most wouldn't give a "blue jean" wearing "middle aged American" a glance, let alone a second one.

Bird

If you really want to be macho - order an Absinthe, Pernod is for wimps.

jsmith

A Bourbon should get you the royal treatment.

Underhill

Champagne with cassis is actually a Kir Royale; the standard Kir is crème de cassis with Bourgogne Aligoté, a white wine. My husband loves them, but he also adores pastis of all varieties. Our French friends--male and female-- also drink both, and home-made orange wine in addition.

hopscotch

Well, you are probably too self conscious as you fear.

Learn a bit about sherry before you go, using your own taste buds, and order a dry one pre dinner. Or smack on a Scotch whiskey, neat. Don't order any American product.

You should lose those inhibitions after a night or two.

klondike

Besides Ricard, my French male friends have ordered Martini Rouge or Martini Blanc which is kind of like a Dubonnet, not an American-style Martini. I think for an American-style martini ask for a Martini-Vodka, but I'm not sure since I'm not a fan.

Lastly, order what you like regardless of image.

SalB

My husband has no problem with drinking either kir or kir royale. We've seen lots of gentlemen drinking them, especially in Provence.

If you want one, order one. I'm sure no one will think a thing of it.

Have fun.

indytravel

I've drank kirs in France. Now that somebody mentioned you might not see French men drinking them I realized I've never bothered to look to see what other men are drinking.

In Lyon I tried a communard. It's beaujolais wine with creme de cassis. It made me think of my grandmother serving Mogan-David blackberry wine in my youth. It's very sweet.

I'd be careful with ordering a bourbon. I have a hard time getting nice ones in France. Jack Daniels and Jim Beam have done a fabulous marketing job in Europe. That seems to be the prevalent ones and I don't care for either.

Actually I have a very hard time getting a decent cocktail anywhere in France or Germany. You can't order a "martini" you get the vermouth. I've even tried saying "James Bond" and (in ridiculous desperation) humming the theme song and never gotten a decent gin or vodka martini, "shaken not stirred."

Only in the poshest of restaurant bars have I been able to get a satisfactory martini or, my personal favorite, VO manhattan.

Since I hate Pernod, Ricard and pastis in general, I end up drinking a lot of high balls: vodka & tonic, rum & coke, etc. Unfortunately it greatly increases your drink costs. The tonic is billed separate from the vodka.

Patrick

I just happened to remember something. A number of years ago I attended a Rotary Club lunch in Avignon. It was a lunch time meeting at a wonderful small hotel. There were about 25 local businessmen in attendance. I was the only "foreigner". Before the lunch we met in the courtyard and we were all served kirs. I didn't see a single man blush!

As a side note, we had a huge four course lunch with wonderful wines flowing freely. As we were on dessert I asked who the speaker would be. They all thought I was crazy. They never have a speaker or a program, they all just get together and do this spectacular lunch. What a great Rotary Club!!!

cigalechanta

we usually order a Suze (that's not available here) it's somewhat like a Campari both are gention based drinks. We also like Pineau des Charentes.
Pastis is good for a hot summer day.

NYCFoodSnob

What a hoot that m_kingdom got kir wrong. Revolting, indeed.

My goodness, the French make some of the best Kir and Kir Royale I've ever shared with a French man. This ain't no sissy drink! (Even though French men are a bit fey.) It's precisely what a gentleman will order before dinner, especially if he plans to order and drink wine with the meal.

Scarlett

"fey" ... good one, NYCS
The Yankee is not even close to fey or a sissy- and he has had a kir with me, or Campari and soda..mostly though, regardless of time of day or where we are, he will order a glass of wine.
I would think you a big sissy if you ordered something silly like a Cosmopolitan

easytraveler

IMHO IMHO IMHO

This appears to be an Anglo-American male concern.

I don't believe most Frenchmen can even associate drinking a rose colored wine with lack of manliness! Quelle bizarro idee!

Lots of Frenchmen drink kir (and kir royale) and, guess what?, lots of Frenchmen even make kirs (and kir royales)!

Just my HO HO HO