New Year’s French 75

Out with the old, in with the new. Welcome 2021 with a French 75.

Have we made it to January yet? Personally, I am afraid to say the words. I mean, does anything really change because it’s no longer 2020?

The answer to that question is probably no (unless we count lessons learned and actions taken – for that, see Resolving to See the Signs in the current issue of The Buzz).

But…whether or not tomorrow marks the start of a new era, we can give it a big welcome, and give 2020 a giant sendoff (not a big party, of course). And since we are planning on a Dry January, let’s do it right.

We asked the people at Spec’s what they would recommend sipping on as we wave goodbye to a year like no other. Their answer: a New Year’s French 75. It’s festive (champagne!), citrusy (lemonade!), and just potent enough. Kate Taylor, a vegetarian cookbook author who blogs at “Cookie + Kate,” called it “a strong drink in a sparkling dress.” 

Lisa Rydman, who is the granddaughter of Spec’s founder Carroll Jackson and heads up the company’s marketing, says a French 75 is perfect for New Year’s Eve, “because 2020 was, well you know…a little bubbly is needed!” She says this version is one of her favorite holiday classics.

New Year’s French 75

1 ounce Abel Charlot Champagne
1 ½ ounces Hendrick’s Gin
¾ ounce Langers Lemonade
¾ ounce simple syrup
Lemon peel, for garnish

Add the gin, lemonade, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake well. Fine-strain the drink into a Champagne flute and then top with Champagne. Garnish with lemon peel.