My favorite quote from Ferris Bueller's Day off is one that I have tried to remember throughout life... "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
You have to take time to find the moments in life when the world seems to pause - some of my most favorite memories aren't that far in the distance, and inspired this very fragrance.
Moments when sunlight spilled over the rooftops of Montmartre, painting the cobblestones gold and illuminating the grand silhouette of Sacré-Cœur. Some of my favorite mornings spent in a sunlit apartment, windows thrown open to the April Parisian breeze, watching the city streets awaken below.
Soleil à Montmartre is my tribute to those golden days: a fragrance that captures the radiance, romance, and quiet joy of Paris at dawn, with an ode to a lovely cocktail enjoyed at a sweet Cafe just steps from Sacré-Cœur. This fragrance blends the brightness of lemon and orange zest with the richness of cognac and cherry liqueur, softened by the creamy sweetness of orgeat and a whisper of clove. Hints of musk and sandalwood make their way through the scent, just as the various colognes and perfumes of the crowds below made their way up to our temporary apartment. It’s a scent that invites you to linger, to savor, and to dream.
Light this candle and let it transport you to a window facing Sacré-Cœur, where the sunlight dances and every moment feels touched by magic. To complete your sensory journey, I invite you to craft a cocktail inspired by my memories (and cocktails enjoyed) there—a drink as smooth and balanced as the fragrance itself.
Soleil à Montmartre Cocktail Recipe
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1.5 oz Cognac
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0.5 oz Cherry liqueur
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0.5 oz Orgeat syrup
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0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
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0.5 oz Fresh orange juice
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0.25 oz Violet syrup
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2 Black cherries in syrup (muddled)
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Garnish: Caramelized orange slice and/or a clove-skewered cherry
Muddle black cherries in syrup in a shaker. Add Cognac, cherry liqueur, orgeat, lemon and orange juice, and violet syrup. Shake with ice and double strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with caramelized orange and/or clove-skewered cherry. (To Caramelize the Orange, Dip in Sugar and use a culinary torch, as you would with a delicious Creme Brulee!)
Mocktail Version:
Soleil à Montmartre Mocktail
Ingredients:
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1 oz black cherry syrup (from black cherries in syrup, or high-quality cherry syrup)
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0.5 oz orgeat syrup (for the French bitter almond note)
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1 oz fresh orange juice
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0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
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2 oz chilled sparkling water (or French sparkling lemonade for extra zest)
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1 dash orange blossom water (optional, for a subtle floral French touch)
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Garnish: caramelized orange slice, black cherry, and a sprig of mint or edible violet (optional)
Instructions:
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Add black cherry syrup, orgeat syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and orange blossom water (if using) to a shaker with ice.
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Shake well until chilled.
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Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
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Top with sparkling water (or sparkling lemonade) and gently stir.
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Garnish with a caramelized orange slice and a black cherry. Add a sprig of mint or edible violet for a Parisian flourish.
May this candle and cocktail bring a touch of Montmartre’s sunlight into your home and heart.
