Add Sparkling Wine To This Citrusy Cocktail For A Fruity Take On The French 75

The popular French 75, which originally got its name from World War I and has since evolved over time, is usually made by shaking ice, gin, and simple syrup in a shaker, straining it into a flute or coupe-shaped glass, and topping it off with sparkling wine. While delicious on its own, sometimes it could do with a fruity touch. This is where the French Blonde cocktail comes in. It features gin, elderflower liqueur, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit juice, and lemon bitters. Unlike a French 75, which tends to be crisp and on the dry side as the notes of gin are more prominent, a French Blonde typically offers a subtle, delicate sweetness and is a tad less spirit-forward. So, why not bring the best of both worlds together and create a citrusy beverage with a touch of bubbles that is perfect to savor any time of day or year?  

All you need to do is pop open a bottle of your favorite sparkling wine, sommelier-style, and top off the French Blonde with it. You're now set to tantalize your taste buds with a refreshing drink that is not overly sweet and fruity, nor dry and bold on the spirits. It's a happy middle thanks to the touch of floral sweetness from the elderflower liqueur and Lillet Blanc, creating a flavor profile that's suitable for any occasion. Plus, given that the word on the street is that the French Blonde has dethroned vodka and Diet Coke as Taylor Swift's favorite cocktail, this deliciously effervescent beverage is the perfect way to celebrate your inner showgirl with your squad of Swifties. 

Sparkling wine is a fun ingredient to incorporate into other cocktails beyond the usuals, such as a mimosa, peach Bellini, and French 75. It's usually associated with being imbibed as a celebratory drink, but we're not here to dictate how and when you choose to relish a glass of bubbly. There are plenty of creative ways to incorporate sparkling wine into your cocktails to whip up a unique libation. It can put a sophisticated spin on an otherwise mainstream drink, and before you embark on your journey of allowing your inner mixologist to shine with bubbly beverages, there are a few key points to keep at the forefront of your mind when working with sparkling wine. 

For starters, the choice of sparkling wine matters, as the tasting notes and sweetness of sparkling wine vary depending on the region they are from, which ultimately impacts the final taste of the cocktail. Cost also plays an important factor, with even the lower end of reasonably good-quality Champagne costing around $40 a bottle. On the other hand, sparkling wines like Prosecco and Cava, which hail from Italy and Spain, respectively, tend to be more wallet-friendly options.

Temperature also matters a great deal. Any sparkling wine is best served chilled at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the lower temperature helps mute the sweetness, meaning the natural flavors from the other cocktail ingredients can come through without hindrance. Also, who wants to sip on a lukewarm cocktail in the first place? The cold also helps preserve the carbonation for longer. If you can, consider chilling the cocktail mixers and glasses as well. Lastly, save opening the bottle of bubbles until ready to top off, garnish, and serve to prevent it from falling flat.