Ooh La La… Looking for an elegant cocktail to serve this Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day? No worries, you’ve just found it, with the Strawberry French 75! Inspired by the classic French 75, this easy and refreshing cocktail features Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, lemon juice, strawberry syrup and of course champagne. The original French 75 was created in 1915, during WWI in Paris, France at New York Bar (later Harry’s New York Bar, a frequent hang out of Ernest Hemingway). It was named after the French 75mm field gun (a modern, powerful cannon at the time) which the French used in the war. It consisted of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and champagne and was said to have a kick to it, like being shelled with the celebrated gun. It was even featured in the movie Casablanca. This romantic strawberry version with the double strawberry heart garnish will make a memorable way to celebrate Valentines Day this year. Cheers!
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Champagne Glass
- Small Saucepan
- Measuring Cup
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mesh Strainer
- Hand Juicer
- Bar Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin (I used Empress 1908)
- .5 oz Lemon Juice (fresh squeezed)
- .5 oz Strawberry Syrup (1/2 cup sugar+1/2 cup water+1 cup strawberries)
- Champagne (I used Chandon Brut Rose)
- Strawberries (1 cup for syrup+2 for strawberry heart garnish)
Method
- Start by making the strawberry syrup. Wash and dry strawberries (about 4-5 depending on size), remove tops and cut into small pieces. In a small saucepan combine 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup cut strawberries. Stir. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir again. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain with a mesh strainer into a glass jar to remove strawberry pieces. Gently press the strawberries in strainer to extract all the syrup. Strawberry syrup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.
- Make the strawberry heart garnish. Wash and dry two strawberries (pick the nicest ones). Remove the green top by pinching it off. Cut a triangle in the top to make the heart shape. Skewer them onto a long pick and set aside.
- Make the cocktail. Add gin, lemon juice and strawberry syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to combine and strain into a champagne glass. Pour champagne to top and gently stir. Add the strawberry heart garnish pick directly into the champagne glass with the 2 hearts sitting just in or above the cocktail. Cheers!
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