As I write this, I’m watching Wine Country (new movie on Netflix) while also experiencing some wanderlust. John and I have been talking about taking a trip but I don’t know if we’ve fully decided on where. Usually we always take one major trip during the year then some other smaller, less planned ones. We’ve been toying with the idea of going back to Portland and also adding Los Angeles. But I’ve also been sending “subtle” hints about Mexico City.
Subtle. That’s what I’m good at.
What’s not subtle is my love for a French 75 cocktail. I don’t drink them all of the time but when I’m wanting something light and refreshing, it usually does the trick. A while ago I purchased a bag of blood oranges and I was wondering what to do with the leftovers: a blood orange French 75, duh.
Is a French 75 considered a classic cocktail? I don’t know the history of them but I like to think it’s pretty classic. It’s one of those drinks that bartenders everywhere know how to make – right? Even though I love it in its true form, there’s nothing wrong with swapping out some of the flavors for other things. That’s exactly what I did here.
OH wait. One thing I do know about French 75’s is that I believe they were originally made with cognac not gin. Though I’m not sure when we started to make them with gin.
A blood orange French 75 – your new summer drink
So a French 75 is: gin, champagne, simple syrup and lemon juice. Very simple and very good. Keep in mind, I’m no French 75 expert but they are at their best when they are ice, ice cold. The key to making that happen is all in the shaking.
It’s always about the shaking, right.
Can you guess how I made this blood orange French 75? You probably guessed correctly: yes, I traded with lemon juice for fresh blood orange juice. It adds a little sweetness and the color is intense and beautiful. I mean, have you ever seen a blood orange? When you cut them open you’re immediately hit with a gorgeous red color. Breathtaking.
I’m sure you’ve never heard anyone describe a citrus fruit as breathtaking but here we are. I regret nothing.
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz fresh blood orange juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Champagne
- Blood orange garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, blood orange and simple syrup; fill with ice. Shake, shake, shake,
- Strain into a champagne flute, top with champagne and garnish.
