So I’ve decided that, due to the nature of my blog name, Fridays will now be cocktail days here on Feelin’ Whisky. Because I’ve got a shiny cocktail shaker that’s going to start collecting dust otherwise, and also, ya know, because cocktails. I hope you’re all okay with this change. (I’m pretty sure you are.) So! Let’s get shakin’. Or something. Anyway.
I first had a French 75 at the Soup Spoon Cafe in Lansing. The waiter recommended it, and my gut reaction was, “No, I don’t drink gin.” But he said it was his favorite drink, and that it matched my craving for something citrusy and refreshing, so I went for it, and HOO-WEE. As my best friend’s dad said when I made one for him, “that’s a drink that’ll put hair on your chest.”
Classic French 75s are simple and strong, made with gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup. I made this blackberry simple syrup because I felt like it. You could make strawberry simple syrup or raspberry simple syrup or even just regular simple syrup. Any way you look at it, it’s gonna be delicious. Promise.
In short, these may look pretty ‘n pink, but they aren’t messin’ around. Just like me. 😉 I recommend serving these in a champagne flute, martini glass, or coupe glass, but any old glass will do in a pinch. Just don’t forget to chill the glass! What are some cocktails you’d like to see on FW?
Blackberry French 75
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drinks
Ingredients
For the blackberry simple syrup:
- 2 cups blackberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
For the French 75:
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce blackberry simple syrup
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- 2–3 ounces prosecco or other champagne
- Lemon twist and fresh blackberry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set aside a few blackberries for garnish. In a small saucepan, combine the rest of the blackberries, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, whisking to dissolve sugar.
- Simmer simple syrup for 5–10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until mixture has thickened and blackberries have given out most of their juice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and transfer to the freezer for a few minutes to cool. Discard blackberries.
- Once simple syrup has cooled, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin, blackberry simple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake for 30 seconds, or until cocktail shaker is frosty.
- Strain into chilled glass and top off with prosecco. Garnish with lemon twist and fresh blackberry. Enjoy!
