Parrot
Alcoholic cocktail
Category : Alcoolisé
Origin : France
Ingredients of the Parrot cocktail
Preparation of the Parrot cocktail
Directly in the glass Pour in the mint syrup and the anise-flavored spirit (pastis, Ricard...) Top up with ice-cold water
History of the Parrot cocktail
The Perroquet belongs to French aperitif culture, more specifically to the world of pastis and anise-flavored drinks enjoyed on café terraces. Its exact origin is not fully documented, but it clearly fits into a French popular tradition that favors simple, refreshing drinks that are instantly recognizable. Its place is tied to the rise of anise-based aperitifs in everyday life, especially in the south of France, where these drinks have long accompanied moments of conviviality before meals.
This cocktail is defined by the combination of Pastis or Ricard with mint syrup and water. The contrast between anise and mint gives it its green hue and distinctive aromatic profile, softer and sweeter than classic pastis. It is this visual and flavor combination that made it popular: it evokes a more approachable and playful version of the traditional anise aperitif, while remaining rooted in French drinking customs.
The Perroquet perfectly illustrates the evolution of aperitif drinks in France: starting from an iconic base, variations are created whose identity rests on color, freshness, and simplicity. It thus belongs to a family of convivial drinks associated with summer, bar counters, and the social ritual of the aperitif.