Oh Hi! Let me just put down this drink for a sec, so I can actually focus on typing without spilling all over my laptop, which is no-doubt going to happen, because I spill almost everything on my laptop (lets blame the clumsiness, not the drunkenness). I wanted to take a minute from the amazing holiday activities that have been going on around here (minus that ice storm that left us without power), that include a lot of late night inappropriate Cards Against Humanity games with my in-laws, power-drinking martinis, and that one ridiculous 4-hour post Christmas cross country ski that left me immobile for days, to tell you about a little recent obsession, the French 75. One month ago, we walked into Via Tribunali from the freezing rain, sat down and ordered a drink (and a pizza, of course).

Brent blurted out some fancy sounding thing, and I ignored his order without giving it a second thought, preoccupied with my wet feet. And then, this glorious looking drink arrived at the table in a gold-rimmed champagne flute with an adorable lemon twist on top. I immediately took one look at my boring old glass of wine and had a small ounce of regret, which hardly ever happens. I took one sip of his drink and was completely sold. Champagne, gin, and lemon juice are all high up on my list of favorite boozy drink ingredients. so I've been making these French 75's ever since with no regrets. I'm a little embarrassed that it's taken me so long to discover this drink, but I am now making up for lost time by serving them for almost every celebration, including that time I almost finished the quilt I was working on for a Christmas gift, but instead had a complete meltdown and gave-up. For instances like that, the French 75 is also completely acceptable.  I'm thinking we ought to make a batch this New Year's Eve, to bring in the new year with style. If you're looking for me, I'll be the one in the corner, with the ridiculous 2014 paper crown on my head, blowing that annoying noise maker. Here's to an amazing year, and the start to an ever better one!

print

FRENCH 75

makes 1 drink 

1 oz. gin

1/2 oz. lemon juice

2 tsp superfine sugar or 1/2 oz. simple syrup

brut champagne or dry sparkling white wine, chilled

lemon peel for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Fill with ice and then shake. Strain into a champagne flute and then top with chilled champagne. Using the lemon peel, add a lemon twist for garnish.