A lavender simple syrup adds lovely floral notes in this riff on this classic champagne cocktail : the French 75. Just about anything with bubbles makes me happy from this Creamy Lemon Prosecco cocktail to my favorite Aperol and Tangerine Spritz,. A bubbly cocktail makes any day a holiday and this Lavender French 75 is made for spring and summer celebrations!!
What is a Champagne Cocktail?
A Champagne cocktail is really just a version of the Old Fashioned - sugar and bitters are added to the base spirit - or champagne in this case. The French 75 is a version of the original Champagne Cocktail, which leads us to....
French 75 History:
Although like most champagne cocktails of long standing, the origins of the French 75 are shrouded in mystery. Various stories credit it's creation to Harry MacElhone, owner of Harry's Bar in Paris. The story is that the drink had such a kick, it was named for the 75mm Howitzer guns used by the French and Americans during World War 1. Others credit the drink's creation to Macgarry of the Buck's Club in London.
Likewise, the actual ingredients of the drink are also shrouded in mystery. some people think that the drink originally called for cognac instead of gin and that the drink should be served up over ice - which might be an interesting version to try!
And speaking of versions, I decided to add my own little twist to this French 75 recipe by using a lavender simple syrup. Paired with Hendrick's gin it gives the cocktail a lovely floral aroma which I think pairs beautifully with a dry and crisp champagne. If the thought of using lavender in cooking intrigues you, Nancy Baggett has a fabulous book on culinary lavender that definitely worth checking out!
French 75 Ingredients:
- gin - I like Hendrick's for this
- lemon juice
- lavender infused simple syrup
- champagne or sparkling wine
How to make lavender simple syrup:
- Add the lavender, sugar and water to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar dissolves.
- Let the lavender simple syrup cool.
- Strain into a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
That's all there is to it!
So this weekend, I encourage you to make this French 75 and take a seat in your yard, your balcony or your porch and raise your glass to all the brave men and women have died defending our freedom.
Looking for more champagne cocktails? You might like:
- Creamy Lemon Prosecco Cocktail
- Lemoncello Cocktail
- St. Germaine Champagne Cocktail
- Rhubarb Fizz Cocktail
Lavender French 75 Recipe:
Lavender French 75
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz. Hendrick's gin
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. lavender simple syrup
- 2 to 3 oz. sparkling wine
- lemon peel optional
- fresh lavender flowers optional
- Lavender syrup
- 3 tablespoons dried lavender buds you can order culinary lavender from Amazon or from the Savory Spice Shop
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice and lavender syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake and strain into a coupe or champagne flute.
- Top with sparkling wine, garnish with lemon and lavender flowers and serve.
- For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium high heat.
- Cook for 5 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Strain into a clean container.
- Leftover syrup should be refrigerated in a sealed container.
- The syrup will last up to a month if kept refrigerated.
mark says
I love learning the history surrounding your recipes and cocktails. And, this one is a great excuse to toast our troops and those who have defended out way of life.