My niece is traveling through Europe this summer (I’m not jealous) and has been sending the family amusing updates on her adventures. Her last email concluded like this:
“One more thing I would like to share with you. It is absolutely NOT a stereotype, and I am absolutely NOT exaggerating when I tell you that French people really do often use the expression “ooh la la”. Sometimes they don’t stop at two “la” ‘s – they continue on with four more “la”s, but there is never an odd number of “la”s, as the “la”‘ s are always accompanied in twos.”
Do you like the house made French flag?
2 oz Dolin Blanc
1 oz Pernod
dash salt
juice of 2 orange wedges
Combine all ingredients in mixer and shake with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with orange and optional “French flag on a toothpick”.
By definition, ooh la la is an expression of pleasant surprise and that was my reaction upon sampling this seemingly simple cocktail. The bright citrus, the spicy star anise and the sweet herbaceousness combined seamlessly and sang.
Speaking of singing, turns out that Ooh la la is also a song from the band, Faces. The catchy refrain goes like this:
I wish that I knew what I know now
when I was younger
I wish that I knew what I know now
when I was stronger
I bet Rod Stewart wishes he knew about this drink.
A Thirsty Spirit 
that little french flag is pretty impressive, lady!