Best French Non-alcoholic Beverage Types
Although it is often compared to other European variations, especially the espresso-based Italian caffè latte, this French version of coffee and warmed milk is mostly made with brewed coffee, traditionally using the French press. The ratio of the ingredients also differs, and café au lait will usually have equal amounts of both, and it mostly does not have any foam on top, unlike caffè latte.
The confusion between the two beverages often appears because the terms are interchangeably used in some European countries that do not make a clear distinction between the two types. Also, café au lait can sometimes be made with espresso. Similar variations that combine coffee and milk are enjoyed in most European countries.
French press is a brewing vessel and a brewing technique consisting of a cylinder-shaped glass and a plunger that is attached to a metal mesh. Coffee is steeped inside the pot, and the mesh is then used to press down the coffee grounds—leaving filtered coffee on the top.
Although the name might suggest otherwise, the invention of the French press is often disputed. The prototype was patented in 1852 by the Frenchmen Mayer and Delforge, while the upgraded version, which is more similar to what is used today, was created in the 1920s by Italians Attilio Calimani and Giulio Moneta.
This classic Bordeaux drink combines fresh milk from Lot-et-Garonne, cocoa, and sugar. It was first created in 1952, and it is still produced following the original secret recipe. The drink was first sold from the back of the vans that were driving across the country and was originally exclusively sold in glass bottles.
In the following years, it became widely available in grocery stores and the company soon introduced can and carton packaging. Apart from the classic flavor, Cacolac also comes in hazelnut-praline and caramel variety. Nowadays, it is widely available throughout the country.
Best French Non-alcoholic Beverage Producers
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
BEST Didier Goubet Soft Drinks
Mariage Frères is a prestigious French tea company founded in 1854 in Paris. It is renowned for its exceptional selection of fine teas and innovative blends. Mariage Frères has established itself as one of the premier tea brands in the world, offering an extensive range of products, from traditional black, green, and white teas to unique creations infused with flowers, spices, and fruits.
Known for its elegant and luxurious approach, Mariage Frères combines history, expertise, and craftsmanship. Their famous "tea salons" in Paris offer an immersive experience where customers can enjoy a cup of tea alongside gourmet pastries. The company also prides itself on sustainable sourcing practices and high-quality ingredients.
BEST Mariage Frères Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Palais des Thés is a French tea brand that has been sharing the finest selection of teas from around the world since 1986. With an emphasis on high-quality blends, Palais des Thés is known for its commitment to offering premium loose leaf and bagged teas, as well as an extensive selection of herbal teas.
The company prioritizes sustainability, sourcing their products from the most renowned tea gardens while adhering to eco-friendly practices. The brand offers a wide range of teas, from classic green and black varieties to more specialized options like matcha, oolong, and flavored teas.
BEST Palais des Thés Teas and Herbal Infusions
Kusmi Tea is a renowned French tea brand established in 1867, celebrated for its high-quality blends, innovative flavors, and beautiful packaging. With a rich history of over 150 years, Kusmi Tea has built a strong reputation for offering premium teas from around the world.
The company was founded in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Pavel Kousmichoff, a Russian tea merchant, and later moved to Paris, where it became synonymous with sophistication and luxury. Kusmi Tea is known for its exceptional blends that combine traditional tea leaves with unique flavors, herbs, and spices, creating harmonious and aromatic profiles.
BEST Kusmi Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Best French Non-alcoholic Beverages
Didier Goubet's ORGANIC SPARKLING SEMILLON GRAPE JUICE is a non-alcoholic beverage made from Semillon grapes. This product emphasizes its organic certification, indicating that the grapes used are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
The beverage is known for its sparkling character, offering a bubbly, festive alternative to alcoholic sparkling wines. It aims to provide a sophisticated and refined taste experience, catering to those who prefer or require non-alcoholic options.
Each bottle is crafted to retain the natural flavors and aromas of the Semillon grape, delivering a crisp and refreshing taste.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
ORGANIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON GRAPE JUICE made by DIDIER GOUBET is crafted from carefully selected grapes, ensuring a pure and high-quality juice. This beverage is notably organic, adhering to strict agricultural practices free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
The grape juice offers a rich, full-bodied flavor characteristic of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. Ideal for those seeking a non-alcoholic alternative to wine, this juice maintains the complexity and depth associated with a fine wine.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
Marco Polo is one of the most famous and revered flavored black teas from Mariage Frères. This tea offers a unique experience, combining the richness of black tea with subtle notes of red berries and flowers, evoking the scents of Chinese and Tibetan flora.
Its exceptional aroma and rich flavor make it one of the most legendary flavored teas. Known for its delicate balance and complex taste, Marco Polo is perfect for those who appreciate a refined and aromatic cup. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a light snack, this tea provides a truly indulgent experience, transporting you to distant lands with every sip.
Thé du Hammam is a unique and aromatic green tea blend from Palais des Thés, inspired by the traditions of the Hammam, the Turkish bath. It combines the refreshing notes of green tea with the sweet and floral scents of rose, orange blossom, and a hint of fruitiness, providing a calming and sensual experience.
The tea's complex and fragrant profile evokes the soothing atmosphere of a Hammam, transporting you to an exotic place of relaxation and indulgence. This delightful and vibrant tea is perfect for any moment of tranquility, offering a flavorful escape with every sip.
Anastasia Organic is a refined blend of organic black tea, infused with the elegant flavors of lemon and delicate floral notes. This tea is inspired by the Russian imperial tradition, offering a unique balance of richness and freshness. The bright citrus notes combined with the depth of organic black tea create a well-rounded, aromatic experience.
Perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated, refreshing tea with a slightly fruity twist.
Organic Prince Vladimir by Kusmi Tea is a refined blend of organic black tea infused with the aromatic essence of Earl Grey and hints of orange. Known for its smooth, well-rounded flavor, this organic tea combines the classic citrusy zing of Earl Grey with the richness of black tea, creating a bold and sophisticated cup.
It's an excellent choice for tea lovers who enjoy a fragrant and full-bodied tea with a refreshing citrus twist. Perfect for an energizing morning or a relaxing afternoon, Organic Prince Vladimir is both a luxurious and organic option.
Detox by Kusmi Tea is a refreshing herbal infusion crafted from a blend of organic green tea, lemongrass, and a variety of herbs and plants known for their detoxifying properties. This tea is perfect for those seeking a natural cleanse, offering a light, refreshing flavor with subtle citrusy notes.
Ideal for promoting well-being, it helps to detoxify and rejuvenate the body. The organic ingredients make it a pure and eco-friendly choice for those who care about both their health and the environment. Detox is perfect for sipping throughout the day to stay refreshed and invigorated.
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