If you enjoy gin and sparkling wine, this Lychee French 75 is for you. Light, refreshing and elegant, it’s a pretty cocktail that packs a surprising punch.
Macaulay Connor: I bring you greetings and Cinderella’s slipper, Champagne.
Champagne is a great leveleler… leveleler…. – The Philadelphia Story
I’m not drawn to formulaic romantic films that exist only to tug at the heartstrings. What I love are classics like The Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday and The Apartment — romantic comedies with wit, heart and dialogue you want to quote forever. They’re mostly older films, but their charm endures.
My ideal romantic evening doesn’t involve extravagant restaurants or long-haul travel (I dislike flying). Instead, I prefer curling up by the fire with my husband, watching one of those classic films and sipping a couple of well-made cocktails.
In The Philadelphia Story the characters drink through much of the day — it becomes a delightful running gag that highlights both the glamour and the excess of their world.
What is a French 75?
The French 75 feels like the sort of drink Katharine Hepburn might order: elegant, refined and deceptively strong. Traditionally, it combines Champagne, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Its name is said to refer to the 75mm French field gun because the drink has a memorable kick.
For a Valentine’s Day twist I’ve added lychee and a touch of rosewater, and I use Prosecco instead of Champagne because I prefer its freshness. The result is a delicate-looking cocktail that can be surprisingly potent — enjoy responsibly.
I used canned lychees and their syrup in this recipe, but you can substitute fresh lychees with a simple syrup or add a splash of lychee liqueur if available.
Lychee French 75 Cocktail
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp gin reduce if you prefer a lighter cocktail
- 6 lychees from a tin
- 2 tbsp lychee syrup from the tin
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp rose water
- chilled dry Prosecco to top up the glasses
- 2 thin slices of lychee to decorate
Instructions
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Muddle the lychees, lychee syrup, lemon juice and rosewater in a cocktail shaker using the end of a rolling pin or a muddler.
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Add the gin and a handful of ice cubes and shake for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
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Strain the mixture into two chilled Champagne flutes or coupe glasses, then top up gently with chilled Prosecco. Pour slowly to avoid frothing over the glass.
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Garnish each glass with a thin slice of lychee and serve immediately.
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