Emilie Giffard’s Impact On Cocktail Culture

Liqueurs and syrups are the unsung heroes of mixology. While spirits form the backbone of a cocktail, it’s the carefully balanced additions that transform a simple drink into something extraordinary. Whether it’s a splash of Crème de Cassis to elevate a Kir Royale, a touch of Menthe-Pastille for a fresh twist on a Mojito, or a drizzle of passion fruit syrup to brighten a tropical creation, Giffard has been providing bartenders and home enthusiasts alike with the tools to make exceptional cocktails for over a century.

Founded in 1885 in France, Giffard has built a reputation for quality, flavour, and innovation, with an ever-expanding range of liqueurs and syrups designed to inspire creativity behind the bar. Under the leadership of Emilie and Pierre Giffard, the company has continued to thrive, expanding its presence in the global cocktail scene while staying true to its heritage of craftsmanship and innovation. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and creativity has cemented Giffard’s reputation as a leader in the industry, making liqueurs and syrups accessible to professionals and home cocktail enthusiasts alike.

On International Women's Day, I would like to celebrate Emilie’s leadership and the impact she has had on the world of drinks, alongside her cousin Pierre who has played an integral role in the company's growth. Together, they continue their family’s legacy while empowering mixologists and home bartenders to experiment with bold flavours and exciting new combinations. I spoke with Emilie recently to explore the brand’s history, approach to flavour, and the role their liqueurs and syrups play in elevating cocktail culture.

Can you tell us a bit about Giffard’s history and how it all began?
Giffard started in 1885 with our founder, Émile Giffard, who was a pharmacist before he became a liqueur-maker. He developed Menthe-Pastille, a peppermint liqueur, which was such a success that he transformed his pharmacy into a distillery. From there, the company grew, expanding its portfolio of liqueurs and syrups while maintaining a strong focus on quality and natural ingredients. Today, five generations later, Giffard remains a family-owned business dedicated to flavour, innovation, and craftsmanship. Under the leadership of Emilie and Charles, Giffard has expanded its international reach while continuing to develop new and exciting flavours to meet the evolving needs of bartenders and cocktail lovers.

What makes Giffard’s liqueurs and syrups stand out in the world of cocktails?
Quality and flavour authenticity are at the heart of everything we do. We focus on using real fruit, herbs, and botanicals to create syrups and liqueurs that taste as close as possible to the fresh ingredients themselves. This allows bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts to create drinks that have depth, balance, and a true-to-nature flavour profile. Our range is incredibly diverse, from essential classics like Crème de Cassis and Triple Sec to more creative options like Rhubarb or Caribbean Pineapple. This versatility means there’s always a Giffard product to help bring a cocktail to life. Emilie and Charles have been instrumental in ensuring our portfolio remains innovative and relevant, working closely with industry professionals to develop flavours that push the boundaries of mixology.

Many people think of liqueurs as something only used in professional bars. How do they fit into home cocktail-making?
Liqueurs and syrups are the easiest way to elevate home cocktails. You don’t need a full bar setup—just a great base spirit, some ice, and a well-chosen liqueur or syrup can make a big difference. For example, a simple Margarita can become a passion fruit twist with our Fruit de la Passion syrup, or a classic G&T can take on a floral note with our Elderflower liqueur. We encourage people to experiment, mix and match flavours, and use our range to get creative with their drinks at home. Under Emilie and Charles’ leadership, we’ve focused on making cocktail culture more approachable, providing inspiration and education to help people feel confident mixing drinks at home.

Giffard has a vast range of flavours. How do you develop new products, and what inspires them?
Flavour trends, bartender creativity, and a love for natural ingredients all play a role in our innovation. We work closely with cocktail professionals around the world to understand what’s missing from their toolkit. Whether it’s a demand for a specific fruit profile or a unique herbal blend, we aim to craft products that inspire new cocktails. Our recent range of spicy and botanical liqueurs came from a growing interest in bolder, more complex flavour combinations in mixology. Emilie and Charles have driven this forward-thinking approach, ensuring Giffard stays ahead of trends while preserving the brand’s commitment to authentic, natural flavours.

What are some of the most exciting or unusual cocktails you’ve seen using Giffard products?
There have been so many! One of the most creative was a savoury cocktail using our Green Banana liqueur paired with mezcal, lime, and a touch of salt—it had a smoky, sweet, and almost umami depth. Another fun example is using our Apricot liqueur in a twist on a Whisky Sour, adding a layer of rich stone fruit to complement the bourbon. The beauty of our liqueurs and syrups is that they allow for unexpected combinations that work beautifully together.

If someone is new to making cocktails at home, what are three must-have Giffard products you’d recommend?

1. Elderflower Liqueur – A fantastic floral addition to gin-based cocktails or even just a splash in sparkling wine.
2. Passion Fruit Syrup – A vibrant, tropical option that works in everything from Daiquiris to simple sodas.
3. Crème de Cassis – A classic for making a Kir Royale or adding depth to a Bramble.

These three offer great versatility and an easy way to start experimenting with homemade cocktails.

What’s next for Giffard? Any exciting projects or new releases on the horizon?
We’re always working on new flavour ideas and collaborations with bartenders. We have some exciting seasonal releases coming up, as well as continued work on more sustainable sourcing and production methods. The future is all about pushing the boundaries of flavour while staying true to our heritage of quality and craftsmanship. Emilie and Charles have also been key drivers in Giffard’s sustainability efforts, ensuring that the company remains committed to responsible sourcing and eco-friendly practices.

​​Giffard has seen significant growth in recent years. Can you tell us about the expansion and what has driven it?
Giffard has expanded significantly, both in terms of our global reach and our product offerings. Over the past five years, we have seen a 30% increase in international sales, with our products now available in over 90 countries. Under our leadership, we've strengthened our presence in key markets such as the United States, Asia, and Europe, working closely with bartenders and distributors to make our liqueurs and syrups more accessible worldwide. We've also increased production capacity by 40% to meet growing demand while maintaining our commitment to quality and sustainability. The rise in home cocktail-making has also played a major role in our expansion, as more consumers seek premium ingredients to elevate their drinks. By focusing on innovation, authenticity, and the needs of our customers, we’ve been able to bring Giffard to more people than ever before.

We are also always working on new flavour ideas and collaborations with bartenders. We have some exciting seasonal releases coming up, as well as continued work on more sustainable sourcing and production methods. The future is all about pushing the boundaries of flavour while staying true to our heritage of quality and craftsmanship. Emilie and Charles have also been key drivers in Giffard’s sustainability efforts, ensuring that the company remains committed to responsible sourcing and eco-friendly practices.

Finally, if you had to describe Giffard in a cocktail, what would it be?
A modern twist on a classic—a French 75 with a splash of our Elderflower liqueur instead of sugar syrup. Elegant, refreshing, and full of character, just like Giffard!

With a heritage rooted in flavour and innovation, Giffard continues to be a key player in cocktail culture. Whether you're a seasoned bartender or an at-home mixologist, their extensive range of liqueurs and syrups opens up endless possibilities for creative drinks. On International Women's Day, I raise a glass to Emilie and Charles and the incredible impact they have had on the drinks industry. Cheers!

Giffard