Elderflower French 75

MAKES 1 COCKTAIL

1 ounce gin

1 ounce Elderflower and Lemon Simple Syrup

Ice

3 ounces sparkling wine or champagne

Lemon twist, for garnish

The French 75’s history harks back to Paris in 1915 when a bartender added a shot of gin and lemon juice to champagne. It made a cameo appearance in the classic film Casablanca. It was also regularly featured at my cold-water, SF Bay swimming club at happy hour.

Another delicious addition to sparkling wine is elderflower cordial, so this has a lot of flexibility. You can make it a 75 with gin, or try just champagne or sparkling wine with the Elderflower and Lemon Simple Syrup.

In a shaker, blend the gin and simple syrup with ice until chilled.

Strain into champagne flutes.

Top with the sparkling wine and rub a lemon twist on the rim, then garnish with the lemon twist and serve. (From Florage. Gather. Feast.)