Officine du Louvre

The Officine du Louvre is a breathtaking cocktail bar in Paris, celebrated for its exquisite drinks and elegant ambiance

There is only one word that truly captures the essence of the Officine du Louvre: exquisite. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it might just be the most beautiful cocktail bar in all of Paris. From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless elegance, where every detail feels meticulously curated to transport you to a world of refined indulgence.

My love affair with this bar began the moment I was handed my welcome drink, a gesture of hospitality that set the tone for what would become an unforgettable time in Paris. I had arrived a little early, waiting for the final touches to be put on my suite at the Hotel du Louvre, and decided to settle into the bar’s plush surroundings.

As I scanned the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the BLUE VELVET (Rhum Clément canne blue, Pineapple juice, Blue curaçao, lavender and violet liqueur, Coconut cream). From the looks, it was a cocktail that promised to be as enchanting as its name.

What made this drink even more intriguing was the introduction to Martinique Rhum Agricole, a style of rum I had never encountered before. This particular rum is made exclusively from the “Canne Bleue” sugarcane, a rare and prized variety that lends the spirit its distinctive character. The craftsmanship behind this single ingredient alone was enough to leave me in awe. The rum’s depth and complexity were unlike anything I’d ever tasted. It was earthy yet refined, with a subtle sweetness that danced in my mouth. It was clear that every element of the cocktail had been chosen with intention, resulting in a drink that was as sophisticated as it was delicious. I truly felt like I was in a luxury hotel, sipping a cocktail in Paris.

Later in the week, I found myself back at the Officine du Louvre, this time in a rather different state of mind. The evening had started with high hopes at the Moulin Rouge. But, in short – it was underwhelming to say the least. This left me in true need of something to put a smile on my face.

This time, I decided to go all out, double-fisting two of their most enticing creations: the Blue Velvet, which had already stolen my heart earlier , and the GREEN FAIRY (Absinthe, Orgeat, Lemon Perrier).

By this point, it was late – around 11:30 pm. The bartenders, ever gracious, were beginning their closing routines. But I wasn’t quite ready to call it a night. In a desperate moment of hunger, I ordered Uber Eats from a nearby McDonald’s. Yes, there I was, seated in one of the most elegant cocktail bars in Paris, sipping on artisanal drinks that cost more than my entire meal, while unwrapping a le Big Mac with a side of BBQ sauce and a handful of lukewarm fries.

The juxtaposition was almost comical.

Thinking back on that night, it still amuses me to no end. There’s something delightfully human about the scene. It’s a reminder that even in the most refined settings, we’re all just looking for a little comfort and joy, however it comes. And frankly, it was the perfect end to the evening.

Sometimes, life isn’t about grand gestures or flawless experiences; it’s about embracing the unexpected, finding humor in the absurd, and savoring the simple pleasures. Especially, when it’s a Parisian cocktail combined with a humble Big Mac enjoyed in the most unlikely of places.

That night, I had both, and it was a glorious end to a few days in Paris.

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