Le Syndicat
51 rue Faubourg Saint Denis
75010 Paris

French ingredients have always been a cornerstone of cocktail culture, lately, la belle France has really been looking inward for inspiration. Case in point: the newly opened le Syndicat.

Le Syndicat is the self-proclaimed “Organization in Defense of French Spirits” and, as such, focuses strictly on French ingredients.  The concept of its creators, Sullivan Doh and Romain Le Mouellic, is to stock the bar with bottles of gentian based beverages, French Gins, Cognacs, Armagnac, and other ingredients hailing from l’Hexagone.

This “Made in France” attitude carries through to the menu as well where you’ll find three distinct sections that give guests a better glimpse into the local liquids.

Tasting flights: For 15 to 20 Euros, clients can choose from a selection of tasting flights like the Armagnac Signature (3 Bas-Armagnac from different decades dating back as far as 1970). These trios of drinks are designed to help customers discover new tastes and better appreciate French spirits and ingredients.

Syndicat Classiques: Here, you’ll find a selection of five classic cocktails from 8 to 13 Euros that have been recreated Syndicat-style. For example, the Nevez Oldfashion incorporates whisky from Brittany, Chouchen syrup made onsite and Maquis bitters.

Insane St Denis Style: With talent behind the bar like Sullivan (previously of ECC and Sherry Butt) it’s no surprise that there is also a section dedicated to house creations, ranging from 9 to 13 Euros, and showcasing Corsican eau de vie, Byrrh, Calvados and the like.

The playlist centers on hip-hop in a very intentional nod towards the artists who helped create a resurgence of interest in a very national product: Cognac. And they’re located in an area that the Guardian has aptly called “Paris’s hottest new micro-quartier near Gare du Nord” so expect a mix of customers from curious residents of the corner to in-the-know cocktail hounds coming from across town.