How To Café Like A True Parisian (& Yes, It's A Verb)

Many cafés have wine lists featuring a range of bottles. But if you just want to order a casual glass to enjoy with a friend, or sip before dinner, here’s what to ask for.

Kir: Pink in color, this combines white wine and crème de cassis, a sweet, dark red, sticky liqueur made from blackcurrants.

Kir Bourguignon: Red wine mixed with crème de cassis. As the name indicates, Burgundy wine was traditionally used, but these days it’s more likely Côtes du Rhône.

Ballon de Rouge, Ballon de Blanc: A very French way to order a glass of red or white, this will get you a regular glass of wine. It’s akin to ordering the house wine—except you’re in France, so the house wine actually tastes good. Alain notes that the quantity of “un ballon is 14 centiliters,” or a little more than 4.5 ounces (a standard glass of wine is 5 ounces).

[Photo via @crulegacy]