cheers to that {french 75}

You can never have too many cocktail recipes that call for champagne -- especially during the summer months. And lately, instead of sipping on mimosas for our weekend brunches, I've been whipping up an old favorite of mine: French 75. It's extremely easy to throw together and makes for the perfect excuse to bust out the cocktail shaker (instantly assuring your guests you know your way around a bar, even if you really don't). Here's what you need:

1 lemon

3 tablespoons gin (I have Juniper gin here)

1 and a half tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon simple syrup 

1 cup ice cubes

1/4 cup sparkling wine (We've been loving this blanc de blanc by Francis Coppola)

As far as prep:

Combine gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake for about 20 seconds until well mixed. Strain into a chilled champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Use a paring knife to slice peel from lemon in a long, thin strip. Curl the peel around your finger allowing it to take a spiral shape. Garnish glass. Or if you're like me and completely hopeless when it comes to lemon art, cut a thin slice from lemon and garnish the side of the glass instead. 

And enjoy!

Wine courtesy of Francis Coppola.