Sparkling wines – whether Champagne or Prosecco – are almost synonymous with New Year’s Eve celebrations! And though lovely on their own why not make your gathering extra special and shake up this vintage cocktail. The French 75 Cocktail is delightful blend of gin with a touch of simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice finished it’s topped with sparkling wine.
Dating back to the early 1900s, this fabulous cocktail was named after a French field gun used by the French army during World War I.
One of my favorite spirits is Plymouth Gin bringing gorgeous notes of juniper, coriander, and cardamom to the party making for a tasty bouquet in your glass. It pairs perfectly with a sparkling Prosecco to bring together this classic, brightened with citrus, and smoothed with simple syrup.
A quick shake of ice to chill the drink then top it with the sparkling wine.
Garnish with a simple twist of lemon.
Cheers to a New Year!
French 75
For each cocktail:
3 tablespoons good gin, preferably Plymouth Gin
1-½ tablespoons simple syrup
1-½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 lemon twist
Prosecco, champagne or your favorite sparkling wine
Pour the gin along with the simple syrup and the lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake until very cold. Strain the cocktail into a champagne coupe or flute.
Top with a splash of Prosecco.
Garnish with a twist of lemon.
To make lemon twists:
Using a very sharp knife slice a section about ¼” to â…œ” from the lemon from the center of the fruit. Cut the round open creating a long strand of lemon peel. Gently remove any excess pith from the inside of the peel.
Wrap the lemon peel around your finger creating a curl.
To make a batch of simple syrup:
Combine 2 cups of water with 3 cups of sugar in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Keep the simple syrup refrigerated.
French 75
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons good gin*
- 1-½ tablespoons simple syrup
- 1-½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Prosecco*, champagne or your favorite sparkling wine
- 1 lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- For each cocktail:
- Pour the gin along with the simple syrup and the lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a champagne coupe or flute.
- Top with a splash of Prosecco, filling the glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon.
- To make lemon twists:
- Using a very sharp knife slice a section about ¼" to ⅜" from the lemon from the center of the fruit.
- Cut the round open creating a long strand of lemon peel. Gently remove any excess pith from the inside of the peel.
- Gently wrap the lemon peel around your finger creating a curl.
