Improvisation in Charente-Maritime: A Summer Cocktail Born from Necessity

Last week, I spent my holiday in Charente-Maritime, a sun-drenched region on the Atlantic coast of France, nestled between the legendary wine regions of Cognac and Bordeaux. With its salty sea breeze, rolling vineyards, and rich culinary culture, it was an ideal setting for indulgence — and, of course, inspiration.

Naturally, I couldn’t resist experimenting with local ingredients. But I made one major mistake: I had forgotten to pack my bar tools. No shaker, no jigger, no strainer. And as it turns out, finding decent bar gear in a sleepy coastal village isn’t all that easy.

But as is often the case, limitations sparked creativity. On our first morning, we had a simple breakfast: a piece of baguette with jam. The tiny jam jar caught my food blogging wife’s eye — and became my saving grace. 

Once cleaned, it turned out to be the perfect size for a 30 ml jigger. Shaking wasn’t an option, but stirring with a spoon certainly was. 

✳️ Travel Tip for Bartenders

Always travel with a mini bar kit. A collapsible jigger, bar spoon, citrus squeezer, and a small strainer can easily fit in your toiletry bag. 

But if you forget them? 

Improvise. A jam jar, a tea strainer, or even a spice bottle can save the day.

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The Inspiration

I found my key ingredients at a small local producer in Saint-Georges-d’Oléron: a wonderfully bright Pineau des Charentes Blanc from Château Bellevue, and a dry local white wine, Le Talmonais (Charentais), with floral notes and a hint of salinity. The combination immediately brought to mind something light, summery, and elegant — a low-ABV cocktail with the structure of an old-school spritz but the finesse of a stirred drink.

Once back home, I fine-tuned the recipe with proper tools. The result? A refreshing, low-alcohol summer cocktail perfect for long afternoons or apéro hour by the sea front. And yes — you can definitely go for a second glass.

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Recipe: Pineau à la Plage

Ingredients

• 30 ml Château Bellevue Pineau des Charentes (Blanc)
• 30 ml Le Talmonais Charentais (dry white wine)
• 20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 10 ml simple syrup (1:1)

Method
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist or a fresh grape on a pick.

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🌿 Variation Tips

• Want a bit more complexity? Swap the white wine for a light dry vermouth.
• Add a single torn basil leaf to the shaker to bring out the herbal notes in the Pineau.
• No shaker? Stir it over ice and strain — it's still beautifully refreshing.

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Sometimes, the best drinks aren’t born in a lab or behind a high-end bar, but in the quiet moments of travel — with local ingredients, a bit of imagination, and a jam jar. Santé!

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While the producer or distributor might have gifted some items, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.