When Sparkling Needs a Little Something Extra
For those nights you just want to feel fancy or classic, a French 75 is the perfect cocktail. It’s chic and will make any night a little more special.
As with any wine cocktail recipe, you want to buy wine you would drink on its own, but on the cheaper end since you’re mixing it. The simple syrup and lemon juice add sweetness to the drink, so I’d recommend a dry sparkling wine, like a Brut or Brut Nature.
The base is sparkling wine and gin, but there are so many versions to try! Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
French 75 Recipe
Serves 1
Ingredients:
2 oz. Champagne or other sparkling wine
2 oz. dry gin
3/4 oz. lemon juice
3/4 oz. simple syrup (see directions below)
Lemon twist
Ice
Cocktail shaker
Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice and top with all the ingredients except the Champagne. Shake vigorously to get it nice and chilled, and strain into your glass. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.
To Make Simple Syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Mix equal parts sugar and water into a saucepan. If you’re using a whole bottle of bubbly for your French 75s, you’ll need a little less than a cup, so use the measurements above. Heat on medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. I often mix the sugar and water in a microwave safe container and microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Store in the fridge to cool before mixing your drinks.
I would definitely recommend serving a French 75 in a champagne flute, but mine are currently in storage. (Covid problems.) Make do with what you have, but a glass with a small opening will help contain all the wonderful qualities of the bubbles.
Let me know in the comments what sparkling wine you used and if you tried any variations. Cheers!