Several days ago while blindly wasting time on the Internet, I ran across this absolute gem of a cocktail. Over the last several months I've been fantasizing about all the fabulous ways I'll start to live my post-covid life; with spontaneous weekend brunches, cocktail parties, whatever excuse I can find to combine socializing with food and beverages. So it's high time I start cultivating a go-to cocktail list and the Lavender 75 absolutely fits the bill.
Ok, so the Lavender 75 isn't exactly a gin and tonic. It's a champagne cocktail. However, taste-wise, it struck me as a more glamorous (slightly more dangerous) version of the popular mixed drink. Slightly more dangerous? Yes. Definitely. I was feeling extremely good after just a few sips, so be sure to tread lightly. In fact, it's been said that the drink was named after a powerful piece of French artillery used heavily during WWI called the Canon de 75 modèle 1897. Also known as the French 75. This may explain why certain variations of the libation have been referred as the Lavender French 75. Anyway, the true origination of the beverage is still somewhat of a mystery, but some believe that the cocktail came into being when Allied troops with a preference for gin and tonics were forced to substitute champagne for their favored mixer.
Now, in several versions of the recipe the recommendation has been to purchase culinary lavender (yes, this is apparently a thing and it's important for taste) and create your own lavender simple syrup. I did not do this. Instead I ordered a bottle of Monin Lavender Syrup (paid link) from Amazon. From there, it was a simple trip to the local liquor store to gather gin, rosé champagne (I got a bottle of Canard-Duchene Brut Rose), and lemons.
For the gin, I hands-down recommend getting a bottle of Empress 1908. The taste is very good but there's also a really cool color-changing effect you get when you mix lemon juice with it. My daughter was absolutely fascinated watching it transform almost instantly from a deep cobalt blue to a brilliant pink. So if you're looking to add a party trick to your cocktail mixing, this is the gin for you.
Finally, CHILL YOUR GLASSES. Seriously. I have often scoffed at recommendations such as this but I can attest to the fact that this beverage is best served in a chilled glass.
For the recipe, I referred to the one Monin provides on their website:
Ingredients:
3/4 oz. gin
1/2 oz. Monin Lavender Syrup
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
Top with: 6 oz. rosé champagne
Glass: Champagne/Flute
Garnish: lavender sprig, lemon twist
Glass Size: 9 oz.
Instructions
Chill serving glass.
Place ingredients into bottom of mixing glass and muddle.
Fill mixing glass 2/3 full of ice and pour remaining ingredients in order listed.
Cap, shake and strain into chilled serving glass.
Add garnish and serve.
Now I do not have a cocktail shaker nor a muddler so I just used a spoon and two different sized glasses to mix and strain the ingredients. That said, if you're a purest and want the full experience, Amazon has a fabulous array of barware including this set (paid link) that's on sale for $39.95 that I have my eyes on.
If you're looking to create a bar with a goth aesthetic, I do believe this is the bar set for you. Swoon.
Anyway, if you give this cocktail a try and experiment with any new variations you particularly enjoy, please feel free to post a comment with your experience. For example, I've heard prosecco is a good alternative to the champagne. Otherwise, enjoy!
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