Although you can never go wrong serving sparkling wine on New Year’s Eve, offering your guests a
Champagne cocktail elevates any party. The classic French 75—invented in Paris a hundred years ago
—is still one of the best.
French 75
1 bottle (24 fl. oz./750 ml) Champagne
Ice cubes
1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) gin
1/2 cup (4 fl. oz./125 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 Tbs. superfine sugar
4 lemon peel strips, each about 1/4 inch (6 mm) wide and 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) long
Chill the Champagne and 4 Champagne flutes or stemmed glasses. Fill a tall cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice and sugar. Cover with the lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into the chilled glasses. Top with a splash of Champagne. Float a lemon strip on top of each drink and serve immediately. Serves 4.
Recipe adapted from Williams-Sonoma Holiday Entertaining