A few weeks ago, we made a drink for my birthday weekend out of town. That weekend was filled with the Tequila Negroni, the wonderfully refreshing Papaya Margarita, and a lot of mimosas. But not so many that we used up all our Champagne. What does one do with leftover bubbly? Make a new cocktail! Champagne, after all, is good for more than just mimosas.
The French Kiss gets its name from one of its main ingredients: St-Germain. A product of France, the popular elderflower liqueur is a soft and gentle drink that also packs a punch. Nothing overpowers this week's cocktail; the components mesh really well together.
Tweak it to your liking, and it'll still be tasty. Serve it at a special celebration, or treat yourself after a rough day at work. The recipe doesn't involve any complicated steps, which means in about two minutes, you'll have yourself a beverage fit for any swanky cocktail bar's menu. Whether you're relaxing solo on the couch or in the company of friends, give into a French Kiss.
The French Kiss
Makes 1
1.5 ounces Bombay Sapphire
1 ounce St-Germain
.5 ounce sweet vermouth (optional)
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
2-3 ounces dry Champagne
Fill a coupe glass with ice and allow to chill. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add Bombay Sapphire, St.-Germain, sweet vermouth and lemon juice. Shake until chilled to the touch. Dump the ice from the chilled coupe glass and strain in the cocktail. Top with Champagne.
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This article appears in Jul 28 – Aug 4, 2016.