The Celery French 75

Mon cheri, this week's Saturday Sipper is a nod to Bastille Day, which will be celebrated Monday the 14th in France. This cocktail has an unusual name—oui, nest pas? The Martha Stewart Website says this: 

The ultrasmooth French 75 cocktail  is named

 for an equally ultrasmooth 75-millimeter artillery cannon

 used in World War I. In this version, 

the alluring blend of gin and sparkling wine gets 

an aromatic herbal lift from celery-infused syrup.

Okay, I couldn't have said that any better. Traditionally this drink does not include this celery simple syrup, but I like flirting with anything unusual, so I had to try Martha's version. Essentially this tastes like a lemonade for grown ups!

THE CELERY FRENCH 75

2 tbsp. celery simple syrup*

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 oz gin

6 oz Prosecco

baby celery leaves and lemon peel for garnishing

In each of your two chilled champagne glasses, add 1 tablespoon of the celery simple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce gin in a champagne glass. Top off with champagne or sparkling wine or prosecco, or whatever you have that's bubbly! Swirl to mix. And the denouement?… why, a sprig of celery leaves and a lemon rind, pourquoi des cours!

Makes two mouth puckering Celery French 75s!

*To make the celery simple syrup—Add equal parts, (1/2 cup each) of sugar and water to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; add celery leaves, and let it infuse until it cools, about a half hour. Pour syrup through a fine sieve into a bowl, and discard leaves. What's left behind is a beautiful, pale chartruse colored sweet syrup. Chill in the fridge until you are ready to use. Make plenty, this will be a summer fave!

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