Classic French 75 Cocktail
- Per cocktail
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- ( Ina Garten uses VS or VSOP Cognac)
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice (about ¾ medium lemon)
- ¾ ounce simple syrup (recipe follows)
- 2 to 3 ounces chilled Champagne (enough to top the glass)
- Lemon peel, for garnish
- Simple syrup (yields enough for 5 cocktails, scale as necessary)
- ¼ cup honey or sugar
- ¼ cup water
To make the simple syrup: Combine the honey (or sugar) and water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, whisking occasionally, just until the honey or sugar has disappeared into the water. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool.
To make a cocktail (you can make multiple drinks at once): Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Securely fasten the cap on the shaker and shake until well chilled, about 20 -30 seconds. Strain the liquid into Champagne glasses and top with Champagne.
Twist your lemon peel and hold it for a few seconds to retain the shape. Garnish your glass with the lemon twist, and enjoy this drink while it’s cold!
(Kathryne Taylor 2017)