The World's Best Bartender Shares Her Parisian Favorites

It’s surprising to think that Paris, a city renowned for its food culture, once lacked a vibrant cocktail scene.

Up until just a decade ago, finding an original craft cocktail in the French capital—famous for its wine and gourmet food—was nearly impossible. Dishes like Coq au vin and filet de bœuf rôti paired with a fine Burgundy were the norm, but the cocktail scene was decidedly dry.

But change is in the air.

Today, Paris boasts a variety of stylish cocktail bars, where bartenders are reinventing classic drinks using fresh, local ingredients and breathing new life into traditional French spirits. Think Bénédictine, Chartreuse, and Suze—an old-school aperitif made from gentian, a bitter herb found in the Jura mountains.

A clear sign of Paris' cocktail renaissance: the current world champion in cocktails is Jennifer Le Nechet, based in Paris, who was crowned at the annual World Class competition.

The renowned event brings together the top bartenders from 56 countries, and in 2016, for the first time ever, a French bartender took home the title of 'World’s Best Bartender.'

Le Nechet made history as the first female bartender to win this prestigious award, a remarkable achievement considering nearly 10,000 bartenders competed.

A Fierce Battle

The competition took place at the 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami, spanning four days of intense challenges that ultimately narrowed the field to just six finalists.

Asked to create three 'cocktails of the future,' Le Nechet centered her recipes on environmental sustainability. One drink, designed without ice or water, highlighted the crisis facing the oceans; another, featuring hot gin and water vapor in a French press, symbolized global warming; the third, inspired by the scent of a rain-soaked forest, drew attention to soil pollution.

The six finalists were given 24 hours to set up their own pop-up bar, tasked with creating the decor and atmosphere on a limited budget.

While other finalists rented gear from a film-set supply company, Jennifer and her team went to Target and Home Depot to gather the materials for her steampunk-inspired bar.

'I wanted to recreate the atmosphere of an old Paris metro station, so we used household hardware to create ‘train tracks’ on the bar floor.'

During her flight from Paris, she carefully packed homemade syrups, bitters, and colas, wrapped in bubble wrap. Her three-person team helped manage the 14 pieces of luggage.

A Brand Ambassador in Motion

As a Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador, Le Nechet travels the world, from Ghana and Greece to Turkey, Mauritius, and Switzerland. Her upcoming destinations include Canada, Colombia, the U.S., Hungary, Lebanon, Israel, Russia, Mexico, and Singapore.

'It’s a thrilling adventure, but it’s also exhausting,' Le Nechet confessed.

When she’s not guest bartending at places like Frankie Istanbul, the trendy rooftop spot at the Sofa hotel, Le Nechet judges the World Class national championships, choosing the bartenders who will compete in the 2017 World Class Bartender of the Year contest in Mexico City.

Between her travels, we caught up with Le Nechet at Café Moderne, where she’s been serving up oh-mon-dieu delicious cocktails for nearly two years. Soon, she’ll be behind the bar at her own establishment, a long-time dream set to come true in 2018.

'In France, compared to places like the US or the UK, we didn’t really have a cocktail culture,' Le Nechet explained. 'You’d have to go to a luxury hotel, one of Paris’s famous ‘palaces,’ for a decent cocktail. The first wave of ‘street cocktail bars’ arrived about five years ago, and now the scene here in Paris is booming.'

Here are some of Le Nechet’s favorite bars in Paris, along with a few gems she’s discovered during her extensive travels.

Le Nechet’s Top Parisian Bars

Café Moderne, 19 Rue Keller, Paris

At Café Moderne, located in the trendy 11th arrondissement near Bastille, the cocktail queen reigns supreme. The bar sees a steady stream of regulars, drawn not only by its inventive cocktails but also by its delicious food.

Café Moderne is known for its ground meat dishes: think tartare, burgers, and meatballs. Guests can choose from lamb, beef, fish, or a vegetarian option, and pair it with a selection of sauces and sides.

What to drink with it?

'There’s no single signature drink,' Le Nechet says. 'Each cocktail is a unique creation made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.' For a taste of Le Nechet’s World Class cocktails, try 'L’Amulette'—a blend of walnut-infused Bulleit rye whiskey, homemade fig liqueur, Fino sherry, and Cynar foam.

Gravity Bar, 44 Rue des Vinaigriers, Paris

The Gravity Bar, located on rue des Vinaigriers near the Canal Saint-Martin, isn’t just about its unique design—think undulating plywood ceilings and a cement bar crafted on-site. It’s the whole atmosphere that adds to its cool factor.

'It’s relatively new, having opened just about a year and a half ago, but the cocktails are incredible,' says Le Nechet.

Le Nechet’s go-to drink? The 'Câpre ou pas cap,' a clever play on a French phrase meaning 'Are you in or not?' The drink features fried capers, staying true to the pun on its name—câpre means 'caper' in French.

Le Mary Celeste, 1 Rue Commines, Paris

Among the popular Paris bars operated by Quixotic Projects, Le Mary Celeste stands out as Le Nechet’s favorite.

'The food is fantastic: small plates to share, the oysters, and the deviled eggs, which are unbeatable. The menu changes frequently, but the deviled eggs are always a staple.' Sip on wine, beer, or one of their inventive hand-crafted cocktails to complement the flavors.

Verre & Chope, 25 Rue de Rochechouart, Paris

'This cozy spot on Rue de Rochechouart isn’t just a wine bar; it also offers beer,' says Le Nechet. The name Verre & Chope references the glasses used for wine ('verre') and beer mugs ('chope').

'The food is also excellent. The bar and open kitchen sit behind a glass deli counter, and the charcuterie is sliced to order.'

Here, you’ll find arguably the best Croque-Monsieur in Paris. 'Without a doubt, the best. The ham is freshly cut right in front of you, then topped with a generous layer of aged cheddar.'

This isn’t a place for loud parties, but rather a peaceful and welcoming venue to enjoy during the day or as a starting point for your evening.

Baton Rouge, 62 Rue Notre Dame de Lorette, Paris

'The decor at this New Orleans-inspired bar is truly stunning,' says Le Nechet. 'Voodoo, magic, and even the menu printed on tarot cards... This place stands out for its cool and one-of-a-kind design.'

'As they say in Louisiana (though not in Paris), laissez les bons temps rouler.'

La Distillerie de Paris, 54 Passage Reilhac, Paris

'This is the only distillery in Paris,' explains Le Nechet. 'You can create your own gin in just one afternoon, adding ingredients and citrus zest, while tasting at each step.'

The distillery can be booked for private events or spirit-making sessions, but it is not generally open to the public. You can find its spirits at boutiques and restaurants around Paris.

Founded in 2015 by brothers Sébastien and Nicolas Julhès, La Distillerie made history as the first micro-distillery to open in Paris since the industry saw a decline at the turn of the century.

Since its inception, Nicolas has created over 50 unique recipes for gins, rums, flavored vodkas, whiskeys, and liqueurs using ingredients like honey, agave, and maple syrup.

Le Nechet’s favorite bars around the world

Sweet Liberty, Miami

In a few words: “Incredible cocktails, great music, fantastic atmosphere,” says Le Nechet. “Génial.”

Broken Shaker Bar, Miami

“Just a 15-minute stroll up Collins Avenue leads you to The Broken Shaker,” says Le Nechet. “It feels like a small vacation retreat with a restaurant, a garden, and even a pool if you’re in the mood for a swim. Rigolo.”

The Clumsies, Athens

“Greece was the first destination I visited after the World Class competition,” says Le Nechet. “I was really impressed by the quality of the cocktails there – they’re top-notch, and people often overlook that.”

She especially enjoyed the atmosphere at The Clumsies, a renowned bar in Athens.

L’Fleur, Prague

“In the Czech Republic, I really love L’Fleur, a Parisian-style bar,” shares Le Nechet.

“One of their cocktails is served as a pyramid – inspired by the Pyramide du Louvre” (the iconic glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei in 1989).