French 75 Champagne Cocktails

We’ve got dinner and dessert covered for Valentine’s Day this year, so how about a little cocktail action? May I suggest a French 75 Champagne Cocktail or 10 for your sipping pleasure? I can’t get over how easy – both in preparation and drinkability – these fizzy sippers are which call for just 4 ingredients and no fancy liqueurs or mixers. If you like champagne (my people!) then you’re going to adore your favorite bubbles spiked with fresh lemon juice, gin and simple syrup. This classic cocktail is officially my new favorite.

I’ve told you before that Ben is the BEST gift giver. He’s surprises me with the most thoughtful gifts I didn’t even know I needed until I open them, which is the best kind of gift to receive, right? Totally unexpected and utterly delightful? Well this Christmas he surprised me with tickets to the Civic Center to catch a season full of off-Broadway shows – Mama Mia, Jersey Boys, Sounds of Music, etc – which I NEVER saw coming. It’s been so fun to have a set date night a once a month where we can dress up (read: trade ratty stretch pants for fancier stretch pants) and go sip cocktails for an hour before catching a live show. Alone. Without tiny people. I am obsessed with my children but you really don’t understand how important dating your spouse is after having kids until you’re actually out of the house. We always come home saying “we should do this more often!”

Prior to the last show we saw we bellied up to the bar at a fun craft cocktail joint near the civic center. I perused the menu for fun, assuming I’d end up with my go-to glass of Sauvignon Blanc, but something jumped out at me first. The French 75. 

I’d heard of the drink made popular in the 1920s before but never looked into making them at home because the name sounded fancy so I assumed the ingredients were fancy – and I don’t make fancy cocktails. Specialty liqueurs and mixers? Half the time I can’t even spell the word liqueur. Pass! Something made me pause at the name on the menu to read the description though, and I immediately looked up and told the bartender “I”LL HAVE THAT.”

First of all, champagne. Nothing better than a glass of bubbles. And yes, I call it champs, but I’ll spare you and only use that word here once. The remaining three ingredients? Gin, simple syrup (sugar water, y’all,) and fresh lemon juice. Like I said, I’ll. Have. That!!!

French 75 Champagne Cocktails are incredibly refreshing and light. Crisp, bright, not too sweet (if you like Lemon Drop Martinis but think they’re a touch too sweet, you’ll down a French 75,) and just a hint of something fun on account of the gin, which we always have on hand to satisfy Ben and his Dad’s unwavering love of Hendrick’s Martinis. UP.

These yummy cocktails are fun and easy enough to serve at any party or get-together, but they’d be especially fun to share with your sweetie or gal pals this Valentine’s Day. Let me know if you give them a try!

Like I said – couldn’t be simpler! For 2 cocktails pour 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons (3oz) gin into a cocktail shaker along with 3 Tablespoons (1-1/2oz) each fresh lemon juice and simple syrup (recipe for simple syrup is in the recipe card – spoiler alert, it’s just sugar heated with water!) Fill the cocktail shaker 3/4 of the way up with ice then put the lid on top and shake until very, very chilled, 15-20 seconds.

By the way, I used both Tanqueray and Hendrick’s gin in testing this recipe and both tasted fab!

Strain the cocktail into two champagne glasses then top with brut champagne or prosecco. Add a twist of lemon peel if you’re feeling fancy, then sip away, my friend! I hope you love, love, love this easy and delicious cocktail recipe! CHEERS!

French 75 Champagne Cocktails

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Description

French 75 Champagne Cocktails are made with just four ingredients - no specialty liqueurs or mixers needed! Enjoy this bright and bubbly champagne cocktail for any occasion.

Ingredients

makes 2 cocktails

• 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons (3oz) gin
• 3 Tablespoons (1-1/2oz) fresh lemon juice
• 3 Tablespoons (1-1/2oz) simple syrup*
• 1/2 cup (4oz) brut champagne or prosecco

Directions

1. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker then fill 3/4 of the way up with ice. Shake until well chilled then strain into two glasses. Top with champagne then serve.

Notes

• To make simple syrup: combine 1 cup each white sugar and water in a glass jar, cup, or bowl then either microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between increments, until sugar has dissolved, or heat in a small saucepan until sugar has dissolved. Cool before using - can be made days or even weeks in advance.

Very slightly adapted from Epicurious.com

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.