Tucked behind a facade plastered with flyers and graffiti on Rue du Faubourg Saint‑Denis, Le Syndicat (Établissement du Syndicat des Alcools Français) is a legendary Paris cocktail bar founded in 2014 by Sullivan Doh and Romain Le Mouellic. It's on a mission: to champion French spirits exclusively—cognac, armagnac, calvados, gentian, and obscure local liqueurs—in bold, imaginative cocktails. Inside, the aesthetic channels an underground recording studio from the late ’70s: bare concrete sheets, cork-tile ceilings with coins stuck in them, metallic-gold stage curtains dividing the bar, and dim, intimate lighting. The soundtrack? Classic hip-hop—think Pharrell or Busta Rhymes—cleverly aligning with the bar's tagline, “where grandpa spirits go gangsta”. Their drink menu is structured into “Flight” tasting trays (€15–20), “Syndicat Classiques” (updated classics €8–13), and “Insane Saint‑Denis Style” signature creations (€9–13). Standouts include “Drop the Beet,” which blends Normandy Calvados, beet purée, honey, and lemon, and savory concoctions combining gentian, rose, sake, black grapefruit, rhubarb, and jurançon wine—all developed with input from top French chefs like Michel Sarran and Amandine Chaignot. Though snug in size, the bar offers attentive service with water carafes, thoughtful glassware, and personal recommendations. It’s earned global acclaim, frequently ranking among the World’s Best Bars (e.g., #84 in 2022) and serving as a must-visit for cocktail aficionados.
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