One of my favorite cocktails is the French 75! A French 75 is a prohibition era cocktail invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France. This simple but delicious cocktail is traditionally made from gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. I’ve put a twist on this classic, using ingredients that are very easy to get, with a Blackberry Sage & Saffron Syrup and my favorite local gin and sparkling wine. Enjoy!

Blackberry Sage & Saffron Syrup

-1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries

-1 sprig of fresh sage (about 5 leaves)

-1 pinch of saffron

-1 cup granulated sugar

-1 cup water

Cali 75

-1oz Venus Gin

-0.5oz Blackberry Syrup

-0.5oz Lime Juice

-2oz Jacuzzi Winery Prosecco

-Garnish: Lime Twist

The first step is to make the Blackberry Sage & Saffron Syrup. Using a medium saucepan pour in all the ingredients. On medium heat bring the mixture to a simmer stirring every once in a while until black berries are soft and falling apart. About 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool, and using a fine mesh strainer strain into a jar.

Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Pour in the syrup, lime juice, and gin and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into either a coup glass or a champagne flute, top with the prosecco, and place a lime peel twist in the glass before serving.

Notes: You can use any gin or sparkling wine you want, however I do recommend picking a London Dry style gin and a brut sparkling wine. If you choose a more floral gin or sweeter sparkling wine it will detract from the flavors in the syrup.