An Aperitif We're Enjoying

This French 95 is a delicious revisioning of the more classic gin-based French 75.  Here you trade gin for bourbon or VSOP cognac, for a perfectly sweet sour balance.  These different spirits add some caramel flavor and depth of complexity to this completely satisfying cocktail.  

Ingredients 

3/4 ounce bourbon
3/4 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce fresh orange juice
Champagne 

Method

Shake the first four ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. Splash in champagne.

A few tips for easily enjoying at home, using ingredients you have on hand:

• Any citrus you have on hand will do, swap in a lemon if you don't have any orange!
• Simple syrup is just equal parts boiling water & sugar.  Make a batch at a time and keep in your refrigerator
• Bubbly is bubbly: use Cava, Brut, Prosecco - any of these or another sparkling wine will provide that delicious effervescence