The French Pearl was a flagship cocktail at Audrey Saunders’ now-closed Pegu Club in New York City. It’s a perfect example of why Saunders is regarded as the reigning queen of the American cocktail revival; each flavor is perfectly balanced, and the drink is a feast for the eyes, nose, and tongue.
The pearlescent white color comes from the pastis (an anise liqueur). Anise liqueurs display an effect called “louching” when introduced to water, as the formerly-clear spirit becomes white and opaque. The effect is stunning, like a glassful of cool white mist.
