Lilac French 75

Lilacs are one of the first flowers to bloom in Spring, and we’re preserving them in simple syrup for a French 75.

Also try Lilac Honey Lemonade and a Lilac Gimlet!

Lilac French 75
makes 1 cocktail

shopping list —

for the lilac simple syrup

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 2 cups lilac blossoms

for the French 75 —

• 1 oz botanical gin

• 1 oz lilac simple syrup

• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

• sparkling wine

equipment —

• coupe glass

steps —

1. Wash the lilacs to remove any bugs or dirt, and pick the blossoms from the stems to avoid imparting bitterness.

2. Combine the sugar and the water in a sauce pot and bring to a boil. Turn the simple syrup down to a simmer and add the lilac blossoms. Turn off the heat and allow to steep for at 15-20 minutes.

3. Pass the simple syrup through a fine meshed sieve or chinois. Allow to cool.

4. In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, lilac simple syrup, and lemon juice. Add ice and shake for 15-20 seconds.

5. Strain into a coupe glass and top with sparkling wine.