Vive la France! 5 ways to celebrate Bastille Day

Bastille Day is a great excuse to enjoy some French food, French culture and even a French cocktail. Vive la France!

Even if you aren’t French, everyone can celebrate Bastille Day. July 14 marks French Independence Day. While the majority of us aren’t spending the day in Paris, it doesn’t mean that we can’t celebrate the occasion with some delicious French food or cocktails.

Here are five ways to celebrate Bastille Day.

Aligot-Filled Gougères, photo provided by Charlotte Patisserie

Enjoy French pastry

While there is nothing more enjoyable than eating a croissant in the City of Lights, you can find some delicious French pastry closer to home. From a flakey croissant to a crunchy baget, the options are many.
For people located in New York City, head to Charlotte Patisserie for an amazing French celebration. One must try dish is the Aligot-Filled Gougères, This popular French dish is cheesy, decadent goodness.

Somewhat fondue like, a blend of cheeses are combined with mashed potatoes. While often served as a dip, this restaurant is serving the cheesy goodness stuffed into airy cheese puffs, (Gougères). Definitely a dish to eat to celebrate French Independence Day!

Sip a classic French Cocktail, French 75

Instead of a lovely French wine for Bastille Day, why not sip a French cocktail. A French 75 is basically a sparkling wine, cognac and simple syrup. This cocktail is both a lovely aperitif and an evening sipper. If you have never had one, French Independence Day is a perfect time to try one.

French 75, photo provided by D’Usse

Here’s a favorite French 75 recipe.

"French 752 oz- D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac¾ oz- Simple Syrup1/2 oz- Fresh Lemon JuiceMartini & Rossi ProseccoGlassware: FluteGarnish: Lemon PeelMethod:Add D’USSÉ, Simple Syrup and Lemon into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a champagne flute. Top off with Martini & Rossi Prosecco. Garnish with a lemon peel."

Bastille Day celebration foods, photo by Cristine Struble

Enjoy a crepe

A crepe is basically a thin pancake. While some versions are better than others, everyone can make a crepe. The ingredients are similar to a regular pancake, just the consistently is much thinner. While some people use a special pan, a regular skillet works. Just make the batter very thin.

You can enjoy a crepe on its own, filled with sweet ingredients or even savory ingredients. Personally, a crepe with strawberries and crème fraise is amazing.

Nicoise Salad

While some people assume that all French dishes are laden with butter and cream, it isn’t always true. The Nicoise Salad is the Provence region salad that is flavorful without being over indulgent. The salad generally includes lettuce, tomatoes, green beans, hard boiled eggs and tuna. You can adapt the recipe depending on your preferences.

Ratatouille

Of course the movie is adorable, but the actual dish is quite delicious. Considered a peasant dish, Ratatouille can be served as a meal or a side dish. It is generally layers of vegetables with herbs de Provence. Why not enjoy some while watching the Disney movie.

Next: Most iconic foods across the 50 states

Don’t let Bastille Day pass without marking the occasion with some French food or drinks. Vive la France and its delicious food.