Paris: Local Non-Alcoholic Beverages

A thick, rich hot chocolate poured from a jug, at its most famous at Angelina on rue de Rivoli. It is closer to melted chocolate than to a milky drink, served with whipped cream on the side. It is a signature Paris indulgence. Best in cooler months.

Fresh-squeezed lemon juice served with water and sugar to mix to taste. It is a classic café refresher in warm weather. The tartness is adjusted at the table. Cafés serve it with the components separate.

An espresso lengthened with steamed milk, the Paris equivalent of a large white coffee, usually taken at breakfast. Ordering 'un crème' is standard. It is larger than a noisette. Cafés serve it in a wide cup.

A soft drink of mint cordial topped with lemonade, bright green and sweet. It is a café favourite with children and a nostalgic order for adults. Other syrups give diabolo grenadine or fraise. It is fizzy and very sweet.

A short black coffee, the default when you ask for 'un café'. It is drunk quickly, often standing at the counter for a lower price. Specialty roasters have raised the bar on quality. Traditional cafés keep it strong and simple.

An espresso with a small dash of milk, named for its hazelnut colour. It sits between a straight espresso and a crème. It is a common mid-morning order. The milk softens the coffee without lengthening it much.

Sweet Maghrebi mint tea poured from height into small glasses, tied to Paris's North African community. The Grande Mosquée de Paris tea room is the classic spot. It is served very sweet. It pairs with almond pastries.

An espresso lengthened with more hot water, closer to a long black. It suits drinkers who want the espresso flavour but a larger cup. It is milder than a straight espresso. Cafés serve it black by default.

Fruit or flower cordial mixed with still or sparkling water, a simple café refresher. Grenadine, mint and menthe-based syrups are common. It is cheap and non-alcoholic. Choose the syrup and the café adds the water.

Orange juice squeezed to order, served with sugar to taste. Cafés offer it as a fresher alternative to bottled juice. It is a common breakfast order. The 'pressé' label confirms it is fresh, not from a carton.