Every year over the holidays, I like to try a signature cocktail recipe that will please my guests and generally make life a little easier than offering a full bar menu at a gathering. See my hostess hacks for stress free entertaining to learn more…
I myself love a classic French 75, a vintage cocktail that’s primarily gin, champagne, lemon and sugar. It’s a light, easy drink that is bubbly and festive. For a holiday twist, I decided to make it with Eau Claire Distillery’s Saskatoon Honey Gin (A seasonal blend), but you could easily substitute in a beautiful bottle of their Christmas Gin or standard Parlour Gin.
The sugar was also switched out by making a simple syrup with local honey (use 1:1 water to honey when making), a suggestion from Eau Claire themselves. Combine the following with some fresh lemon juice, shake on ice, top with prosecco or a dry champagne of your choice and serve with an orange peel for garnish and you have a simple yet sophisticated take on this old world cocktail that is neither too girly or masculine. Hint- if you want more of a “festive look” and not the classic 75, switch out to rose bubbles for a blush tone.
Holiday French 75 Recipe (Makes 1 cocktail)
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0.75 ounces of Gin
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0.75 ounces of Honey Simple Syrup
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0.5 ounces of Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
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Combine all ingredients and shake over ice. Strain and pour into champagne flute. Top off remainder of flute with 3-5 ounces of prosecco or champagne of your choosing. Garnish with orange peel and enjoy!
